Dubai World Central’s Al Maktoum International Airport to host the Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) event next week

Dubai World Central (DWC), the world’s first purpose-built aerotropolis, announced at a press conference held today (December 4, 2012) that the upcoming Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA), taking place from 11 to 13 December, 2012, will be the first industry event hosted at DWC’s Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA). It will be the 5^th edition of an event that is dedicated towards connecting buyers and sellers within the business aviation segment and is expected to draw more than 385 exhibitors from 37 countries and 7,000 visitors across the three days. Reflecting the importance of the business aviation and general aviation sector to the long term strategy of the Dubai Government, it was further announced that business aviation operations will commence from Dubai World Central in 2013 – initially utilizing the VIP terminal at AMIA, then from purpose-built facilities at DWC’s Aviation District. 

Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC), said: “The aviation sector is an important contributor to Dubai’s economy. The business aviation and general aviation segment is an area we see tremendous opportunities for growth and this is one of the reasons we are extremely proud to support MEBA and Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA). Furthermore, we are pleased to be hosting the 5^th edition at DWC. It is the perfect alignment of the Government of Dubai’s vision to develop DWC to meet the on-ground capacity and business needs of the wider aviation industry and MEBAA’s goals to help support the growth of the general aviation segment within the region. The event also provides us a valuable opportunity to showcase DWC’s world-class infrastructure and facilities that are on the ground and ready for business. DWC’s Aviation District is the perfect platform for business aviation and demonstrates the Dubai Government’s long term commitment to the industry. DWC merges both soft and hard infrastructure with the necessary conditions to help the industry grow and flourish, as well as create new opportunities for all players.” 

MEBA is organized by F&E Aerospace on behalf of MEBAA and after just four editions MEBA is firmly established as a world class event in the business aviation calendar. The event is widely recognised as a must attend platform which offers unrivalled access to the Middle East market in a highly focused environment. 

Ali Al Naqbi, Founding Chairman of Middle East Business Aviation Association, said: “Hosting MEBA at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai World Central (DWC) – a landmark venue, is testament to the size and importance of business aviation in the UAE and wider region. In the future, this airport will grow into an important gateway for business aviation and it has been a privilege to involve ourselves with its development so early in the process. We look forward to welcoming our partners, exhibitors and sponsors to this significant event in the global business aviation calendar.” 

Rashed Bu Qara’a, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said: “Aviation is a key industry with huge economic potential for the UAE and the rest of the Middle East because of its positive flow-on effect on other industries. We are pleased to host the MEBA 2012 event as it gathers all key players in the region’s business aviation industry, giving us an opportunity to acknowledge their role in the growing status of Dubai World Central as the future home of general aviation in the Middle East.” 

He further revealed: “In collaboration with all government stakeholders, Dubai Airports Company, Dubai Police, Dubai Customs and Dubai Immigration, I am proud to announce the commencement of business aviation operations from DWC starting early 2013. This is part of the long-term migration strategy of shifting general aviation from Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum International Airport. During this initial phase, we will utilize the VIP terminal within the passenger terminal. Shortly thereafter, we expect the first business aviation operations to commence out of DWC’s Aviation District in mid 2013.” 

The fifth edition of the aviation showcase will have more than 46,500 sqm of outdoor static display featuring up to 45 business aircraft from leading international manufacturers, including Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault and Embraer. MEBA will also host various country pavilions and expects exhibitors from all around the world to showcase their latest innovations, products and services.