The Middle East’s US$500 million private aviation sector revenues is expected to triple in value – if governments, legislators and the region’s 34 private jet operators join forces to ensure proper regulation.

The sixth edition of MEBA (Middle East Business Aviation), being held at Dubai World Central from 8-10 December – the only show in the region dedicated to private aviation – represents an opportunity for the global industry to address its major challenges, including the lack of dedicated business aviation regulations.

Ali Al Naqbi, Founding Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), says: “We need to join forces and work together to help build a stronger private aviation sector in the region. As an example, while there are 150 private jets registered in Saudi Arabia, there are more than 700 private jets belonging to Saudi businessmen registered abroad, due to the absence of a structured legislative and regulatory environment in this region. MEBA represents an ideal forum for these discussions and a great opportunity for the industry to come together and pave the way to a solid growth plan.”

There are currently around 530 registered aircraft in the MENA region, a figure expected to rise to 1200 by 2020. The number of movements in the region is anticipated to reach 175,000 by 2020, up from 105,000 in 2012. With a 13-15% annual growth rate, Al Naqbi considers the biggest challenge for the industry’s continued growth is the lack of regulation for flight operators and aircraft maintenance companies alike.

“MEBA 2014 needs to help the industry get to grips with these pressing problems. We are delighted to host the world’s third largest private aviation event in the region, which is proof of the regional market’s importance within the global business aviation industry.” said Michele van Akelijen, Managing Director, F&E Aerospace.

MEBA is organised by F&E Aerospace on behalf of the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA).

About F&E Aerospace

F&E Aerospace is a division of F&E, one of the most influential names in the aerospace industry’s events sector, and which launched the very first Dubai Airshow in 1989, in conjunction with Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports and the UAE Armed Forces.

Covering all aerospace-related events in the F&E portfolio, F&E Aerospace has a long-standing relationship with the global aerospace industry, an in-depth knowledge of the market and a hard-earned reputation for delivering event excellence. F&E Aerospace maintains offices in Dubai, Connecticut, Hong Kong and London.

About MEBAA

The Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (“MEBAA”) is the official representative of the business aviation industry in the Middle East and North Africa (“MENA”) region and is a member of the International Business Aviation Council (“IBAC”). MEBAA is a non-profit association established in 2006 with the mission to provide a platform for members of the business aviation industry in the MENA region to gather, understand and communicate the needs and benefits of the industry.

As part of its current growth strategy, MEBAA seeks to implement operational safety and efficiency by providing best in-practice training, lectures and conferences, establishing codes of conduct, and providing industry data. Today, MEBAA represents over 220 companies within the MENA region and provides a number of products and services to its members, including the MAIS (MEBAA Aviation Insurance Scheme) insurance scheme for operators. In addition to various networking events, MEBAA hosts the MEBA Show, which ranks as the third largest business aviation show in the world.

Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) will be held at Dubai World Central, from 8-10 December 2014. This event is the Middle East’s premier business aviation event and a must attend event for anyone involved in chartering, leasing, selling, purchasing, operating and servicing business and VIP jets. In addition to the exhibition, the event features a static display of the latest business aircraft. Exhibiting at MEBA provides the ideal platform to reach key business contacts and build relationships. www.meba.aero