The 11th edition of the MEBAA Show opens December 8, 2026 at the Dubai Airshow Site at Dubai World Central — the same venue where Al Maktoum International Airport recorded 20,289 business aviation movements in 2025, a 17% year-on-year increase and the highest private jet activity ever registered in the emirate. Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and marking the 20th anniversary of MEBAA under founding and executive chairman Ali Alnaqbi, MEBAA Show 2026 runs December 8 to 10 with more than 100 confirmed exhibiting companies, a 60-speaker BizAv Talks conference program, and new features including the Platinum Guest Program and NextGen Leaders Program.
This guide covers every confirmed fact about MEBAA Show 2026 — event details, confirmed exhibitors, BizAv Talks speakers and sessions, new program features, and the operational data operators need before routing aircraft to Dubai in December. For verified FBO listings and airport data at all UAE airports, search the Aviation Index FBO Directory and Airport Database.
MEBAA Show 2026 — Essential Facts
The following data is confirmed from official sources and verified industry reporting as of November 2026.
Event: MEBAA Show 2026 — 11th edition
Dates: December 8 to 10, 2026
Show hours: 10:00 to 17:00 each day
Venue: Dubai Airshow Site at Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubai South
Nearest airport: Al Maktoum International Airport (ICAO: OMDW) — 3 kilometres from venue
Organizer: MEBAA in partnership with Informa Markets
Patron: HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group
Special significance: 20th anniversary of MEBAA, 11th edition of the show
Registration: From USD 50 trade visitor pass at mebaa.com
Runway Party: December 8, 16:00 to 20:00 — USD 149 until October 31, USD 249 after. Requires a Visitor Experience Pass. Non-refundable and non-transferable
Next edition: Expected December 2028
Source: MEBAA official website, theflyingengineer.com MEBAA 2026 full program.
What MEBAA Show Is and Why 2026 Matters
MEBAA Show is the leading business aviation exhibition for the Middle East and North Africa region — the equivalent of NBAA-BACE for the MENA market. It runs biennially in December at Dubai World Central, bringing together aircraft manufacturers, charter operators, FBO providers, MRO organizations, tech innovators, and high-net-worth aviation buyers from across the globe.
The 2024 edition set the benchmark for 2026 — 10,000 attendees from more than 100 countries, 145 exhibitors, 30 aircraft on static display, and more than 60 speakers at BizAv Talks. The MEBAA Connect networking platform facilitated 1,500 business meetings and 4,193 new business connections during the three days. Ninety-three percent of exhibitors rated the show as important to their business. Ninety-two percent of 2024 exhibitors confirmed they were likely to return for 2026.
The 2026 edition carries additional significance. It coincides with the 20th anniversary of MEBAA, founded in Dubai in 2006 by Ali Alnaqbi — who also served as Chairman of the IBAC Governing Board from 2020, the first Arab to hold that position in the international council’s history. “No other event connects global business aviation brands with high-value buyers, operators, and decision makers from across the Middle East and Africa, Asia, and Europe,” Alnaqbi said at the show announcement. Source: AIN, Amy Wilder, July 15, 2026.
The regional backdrop makes MEBAA Show 2026 particularly significant. The Middle East and Africa business aviation market is expanding four to five times faster than the United States and Europe, according to Mordor Intelligence. Sixty-five percent of Middle Eastern respondents expect at least 50% growth in business aviation. The Middle East region is expected to receive approximately 160 business jets worth USD 8.6 billion between 2026 and 2035, with the total fleet projected to grow to approximately 3,700 aircraft by 2044, according to AVI-GO Intelligence.
Confirmed Exhibitors at MEBAA Show 2026
More than 100 exhibiting companies confirmed participation at MEBAA Show 2026 as of August 2026, with registrations continuing. The confirmed list covers the full business aviation spectrum.
Aircraft manufacturers: Bombardier and Dassault Aviation are the two OEMs publicly confirmed. Gulfstream Aerospace is also named among expected exhibitors.
Ground and support services: Jet Aviation, Harrods Aviation, Universal Aviation, AEG Fuels, Lufthansa Technik, Gama Aviation, Falcon Aviation, and RoyalJet are all confirmed.
FBO operators: Jetex and DC Aviation Al-Futtaim are confirmed MEBAA 2026 sponsors. Both operate primary full-service FBO terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport — the airport directly adjacent to the show venue — meaning operators attending the show can interact with their OMDW handlers in person at the exhibition floor.
Technology and services: Gogo Business Aviation and UAS International Trip Support are confirmed. Dave Falberg, SVP Sales EMEA-APAC at Gogo Business Aviation, confirmed: “MEBAA is one of the most important opportunities each year for us to strengthen relationships with our customers across the Middle East.”
PrivatPort recently opened its new Operations Control Centre in Dubai and is exhibiting at MEBAA 2026 — confirming Dubai’s role as an operational base for international FBO networks, not just a destination. Registry of Aruba is a confirmed sponsor.
The 2024 edition attracted 145 exhibitors — 92% of whom indicated they were likely to return for 2026. Source: AIN, Amy Wilder, July 15, 2026, AIN, Charles Alcock, August 13, 2026.
BizAv Talks — The MEBAA Show 2026 Conference Program
BizAv Talks returns for MEBAA Show 2026 with more than 60 speakers across December 8 and 9. Building on its debut in 2022 and its expanded 2024 format — which featured more than 55 C-suite executives with more than 70% at the C-suite level — BizAv Talks 2026 is the central knowledge and leadership forum of the show.
Confirmed speakers:
Ali Alnaqbi, Founding and Executive Chairman, MEBAA. Kurt Edwards, Director General, International Business Aviation Council. Jenny Lau, Vice Chair of Sino Jet and Asian Business Aviation Association — the first female chairperson to lead AsBAA and named AsBAA Woman of the Year 2026. Joanne Goodall, CEO Europe, TAG Aviation Europe. Nuno Pereira, Chairman and CEO, Bestfly. Eymeric Segard, President and Founder, LunaJets. Steve Varsano, confirmed panelist. H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Kankazar, Executive Director Air Transport and International Affairs Sector, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. Richard Koe, Managing Director, WINGX. Darren Broderick, CEO, ACAM. Shahin Sulmain Al Taher, Head of Aircraft Oversight Section, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.
Source: AIN August 2026, luminik.io confirmed speaker listing, theflyingengineer.com MEBAA 2026 program.
Confirmed BizAv Talks session topics:
The opening session covers client evolution and market shifts — how the business aviation buyer profile across the Middle East and globally is changing. A dedicated infrastructure session examines whether Middle East airport and FBO infrastructure is ready for the region’s own growth trajectory. A Saudi Arabia market session addresses what is actually happening on the ground in the Kingdom — the most significant emerging business aviation market in the MENA region. A leadership panel with Kurt Edwards, H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Kankazar, and Steve Varsano covers the forces reshaping the industry from policy and market pressures to what comes next.
Shivani Moorjani, Head of Content at MEBAA Show, described BizAv Talks as “an opportunity to gain valuable industry insights and hear the perspectives shaping the future of business aviation” covering market developments, emerging technologies, and the priorities influencing regional and global business aviation. The full BizAv Talks agenda is available at the MEBAA Show official website.
What Is New at MEBAA Show 2026
Four features are either new or significantly expanded for 2026 compared to 2024.
Platinum Guest Program is new for 2026 — a VIP access tier designed for ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking direct engagement with manufacturers and operators at the show. It reflects the growing HNWI market across the UAE and broader MENA region that MEBAA has identified as a primary growth driver for the 2026 and 2028 editions.
NextGen Leaders Program runs on December 10, the final day, designed for students entering the aviation industry. It provides access to the show floor, exhibitor sessions, and structured networking opportunities with established aviation professionals. The program reflects MEBAA’s recognition that the MENA region’s business aviation growth — expanding four to five times faster than the US and Europe — requires a pipeline of trained aviation professionals entering the industry.
Runway Party takes place December 8 from 16:00 to 20:00 at the Dubai Airshow Site. Tickets are USD 149 until October 31, USD 249 after. A Visitor Experience Pass is required. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Source: theflyingengineer.com.
Advanced Air Mobility Pavilion is a dedicated zone for AAM and urban air mobility exhibitors and demonstrations — reflecting the UAE government’s formal commitment to urban air mobility development at Dubai South and the growing regional interest in next-generation aviation concepts alongside the established business jet market.
The Operators Program continues from 2024 with pre-arranged meetings between operators and exhibitors through the MEBAA Connect matchmaking platform. The 2024 edition facilitated 1,500 business meetings and 4,193 new business connections through this platform alone.
The UAE Business Aviation Market Heading Into MEBAA 2026
MEBAA Show 2026 arrives at a moment of sustained structural growth across the UAE business aviation market. The verified data points to a market that has moved beyond cyclical demand into permanent infrastructure expansion.
Dubai South’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub recorded 20,289 business aviation movements in 2025 — the highest private jet activity ever registered in the emirate and a 17% increase over 2024. The final quarter of 2025 alone saw 6,926 movements — an 18% year-on-year rise — driven by Dubai Airshow 2025, GITEX Global, and the World Government Summit. Al Maktoum International Airport maintains its position as the busiest airport for business aviation movements in the Middle East.
The regional growth trajectory extends across the broader MENA market. The Middle East and Africa business aviation market is expanding four to five times faster than the US and Europe. The Middle East region is expected to receive 160 business jets worth USD 8.6 billion between 2026 and 2035, with the total fleet projected to grow to approximately 3,700 aircraft by 2044.
Infrastructure investment confirms the trajectory. Bombardier is investing in a new MRO facility at Al Bateen Airport in Abu Dhabi expected to open by end of 2026. PrivatPort has opened a new Operations Control Centre in Dubai. DC Aviation Al-Futtaim is expanding its managed charter fleet at Dubai South. These are capital commitments, not aspirational announcements — they reflect operator confidence in sustained Middle East business aviation demand through 2027 and beyond. Source: AIN July 2026.
For operators planning to fly aircraft to Dubai for MEBAA Show 2026 — including slot planning, GCAA permit requirements, FBO options at OMDW, and parking alternatives — see the full Aviation Index operational guide: Flying to Dubai for MEBAA 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MEBAA Show 2026?
MEBAA Show 2026 is the 11th edition of the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association’s biennial trade show, running December 8 to 10 at the Dubai Airshow Site at Dubai World Central. It is the leading business aviation exhibition for the MENA region — equivalent in scale and professional significance to NBAA-BACE for North America. The 2024 edition drew 10,000 attendees from more than 100 countries, 145 exhibitors, 30 aircraft on static display, and facilitated 1,500 business meetings through the MEBAA Connect platform. MEBAA Show 2026 coincides with the 20th anniversary of MEBAA under founding and executive chairman Ali Alnaqbi and introduces new features including the Platinum Guest Program for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and the NextGen Leaders Program for students. More than 100 exhibiting companies confirmed participation as of August 2026 with registrations continuing.
When and where is MEBAA Show 2026?
MEBAA Show 2026 runs from December 8 to 10, 2026 at the Dubai Airshow Site at Dubai World Central in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Show hours are 10:00 to 17:00 each day. The venue is located at Dubai South, approximately 3 kilometres from Al Maktoum International Airport. The event is under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. MEBAA Show 2026 is the 11th edition of the biennial show and coincides with the 20th anniversary of MEBAA under founding and executive chairman Ali Alnaqbi. The next edition after 2026 is expected in December 2028. Visitor registration is available at mebaa.com with trade visitor passes from USD 50.
What is MEBAA?
MEBAA stands for the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association — the official representative of the business aviation industry across the MENA region and a member of the International Business Aviation Council. MEBAA was founded in Dubai in 2006 by Ali Alnaqbi, who has served as its founding and executive chairman since inception. The association represents the business aviation sector across 25 countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa. MEBAA organizes the MEBAA Show — the leading business aviation exhibition for the region — which runs biennially in December at Dubai World Central. Ali Alnaqbi previously served as Chairman of the IBAC Governing Board from 2020 — the first Arab to hold that position in the international council’s history. MEBAA is headquartered at Tameem House, Barsha Heights, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Who is exhibiting at MEBAA Show 2026?
Confirmed exhibitors at MEBAA Show 2026 include aircraft manufacturers Bombardier and Dassault Aviation as the two publicly confirmed OEMs. Ground and support services exhibitors include Jet Aviation, Harrods Aviation, Universal Aviation, AEG Fuels, Lufthansa Technik, Gama Aviation, Falcon Aviation, and RoyalJet. FBO operators Jetex and DC Aviation Al-Futtaim are confirmed sponsors and exhibitors — both operate primary full-service FBO terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport adjacent to the show venue. Gogo Business Aviation and UAS International Trip Support are confirmed service exhibitors. PrivatPort, which recently opened a new Operations Control Centre in Dubai, is also exhibiting. More than 100 exhibiting companies confirmed participation as of August 2026 with registrations continuing. The 2024 edition attracted 145 exhibitors — 92% of whom indicated they were likely to return for 2026.
What is BizAv Talks at MEBAA Show 2026?
BizAv Talks is MEBAA Show’s conference program featuring more than 60 speakers across December 8 and 9. Confirmed speakers for 2026 include Kurt Edwards, Director General of the International Business Aviation Council; Jenny Lau, Vice Chair of Sino Jet and AsBAA Woman of the Year 2026; Joanne Goodall, CEO Europe of TAG Aviation Europe; Nuno Pereira, Chairman and CEO of Bestfly; Eymeric Segard, President and Founder of LunaJets; and H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Kankazar, Executive Director of Air Transport at the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. Confirmed session topics cover client evolution and market shifts, Middle East infrastructure readiness for business aviation growth, and Saudi Arabia market developments. The full agenda is available on the MEBAA Show official website. Source: AIN August 2026, luminik.io confirmed speaker listing.
How is MEBAA Show 2026 different from previous editions?
MEBAA Show 2026 introduces four features not present or significantly expanded from the 2024 edition. The Platinum Guest Program is entirely new — a VIP access tier for ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking direct engagement with manufacturers and operators. The NextGen Leaders Program on December 10 targets students entering aviation — a generational investment formalized at the show level for the first time. The Advanced Air Mobility Pavilion gives dedicated show floor space to AAM and urban air mobility technology for the first time. MEBAA Show 2026 also coincides with the 20th anniversary of the MEBAA association — giving the 2026 edition significance beyond the standard biennial cycle. The 2024 edition drew 10,000 attendees from more than 100 countries, 145 exhibitors, and 30 aircraft on static display. Source: AIN July 2026, theflyingengineer.com.
What is the Advanced Air Mobility Pavilion at MEBAA 2026?
The Advanced Air Mobility Pavilion at MEBAA Show 2026 is a dedicated exhibition zone for urban air mobility and next-generation aviation concepts — including electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, autonomous aviation systems, and supporting infrastructure. It reflects the UAE government’s formal commitment to urban air mobility development at Dubai South and the broader MENA region’s interest in transitioning to next-generation aviation technologies. The pavilion gives AAM manufacturers, technology providers, and infrastructure companies dedicated space within the MEBAA Show floor separate from traditional business aviation exhibitors — making MEBAA 2026 the first edition to formally designate a zone for this category. The full MEBAA Show 2026 program including the Advanced Air Mobility Pavilion is detailed at theflyingengineer.com.
What is the Operators Program at MEBAA Show 2026?
The Operators Program at MEBAA Show 2026 is a pre-arranged meetings format connecting aircraft operators directly with exhibitors through the MEBAA Connect matchmaking platform before and during the show. At the 2024 edition the platform facilitated 1,500 business meetings and 4,193 new business connections across the three show days. The 2026 Operators Program gives operators structured access to manufacturers, FBO providers, MRO organizations, charter companies, and technology providers rather than relying solely on walk-in floor traffic. Operators attending MEBAA Show 2026 for procurement or relationship development should register for the Operators Program through the MEBAA Show official website to maximize scheduled meeting time during December 8 to 10.
What is the NextGen Leaders Program at MEBAA Show 2026?
The NextGen Leaders Program at MEBAA Show 2026 is a new initiative running on December 10, the final day of the show, designed for students entering the aviation industry. It provides access to the MEBAA Show floor, exhibitor sessions, and structured networking opportunities with established aviation professionals. The program reflects MEBAA’s recognition that the MENA region’s business aviation growth — expanding four to five times faster than the US and Europe according to Mordor Intelligence — requires a pipeline of trained aviation professionals entering the industry. The NextGen Leaders Program is part of MEBAA’s 20th anniversary commitment to investing in the long-term development of the regional aviation workforce alongside its traditional focus on commercial and regulatory outcomes.
Is MEBAA Show 2026 open to the public?
MEBAA Show 2026 is a trade event primarily designed for aviation industry professionals including aircraft operators, manufacturers, charter companies, FBO providers, MRO organizations, and aviation service providers. Trade visitor passes are available from USD 50 at mebaa.com. The Runway Party on December 8 from 16:00 to 20:00 requires a Visitor Experience Pass alongside a separate event ticket priced at USD 149 until October 31 and USD 249 after. The NextGen Leaders Program on December 10 is specifically designed for students. The show is not an air display open to general public attendance — it is a business-to-business trade exhibition where the primary purpose is commercial engagement between aviation industry professionals.
How do I register for MEBAA Show 2026?
Visitor registration for MEBAA Show 2026 is available at mebaa.com with trade visitor passes starting from USD 50. The Runway Party on December 8 from 16:00 to 20:00 requires a Visitor Experience Pass and a separate Runway Party ticket — USD 149 until October 31, 2026, rising to USD 249 after that date. Runway Party tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Operators attending through the Operators Program should register through the MEBAA Connect matchmaking platform to arrange pre-scheduled meetings. The NextGen Leaders Program on December 10 is designed for students — registration details are available through the MEBAA official channels. Companies interested in exhibiting should contact MEBAA directly through the exhibitor registration process on the MEBAA Show official website.
What is Dubai World Central and why is MEBAA Show held there?
Dubai World Central (DWC) is a planned city and special economic zone in Dubai South, built around Al Maktoum International Airport. It was developed as part of Dubai’s long-term aviation and logistics infrastructure strategy and houses the Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub — the operational centre for business aviation at Al Maktoum International Airport. The DWC Dubai Airshow Site is the purpose-built exhibition venue used for major aviation events at Dubai South. MEBAA Show is held at Dubai World Central because it places the exhibition directly adjacent to the region’s leading business aviation airport — Al Maktoum International Airport recorded 20,289 business aviation movements in 2025, the highest ever in the emirate — and because DWC’s infrastructure, airside access, and static display facilities are purpose-built for aviation exhibitions. The venue is 3 kilometres from OMDW and accessible via the Expo City metro station. Source: Dubai South official February 2026.
What business jets are on static display at MEBAA Show 2026?
The specific aircraft on static display at MEBAA Show 2026 have not been publicly confirmed as of November 2026. The 2024 edition featured 30 aircraft on static display — a mix of business jets from major manufacturers including Bombardier, Gulfstream, and Dassault Aviation, all of whom are confirmed or expected exhibitors for 2026. Static display aircraft at MEBAA have historically included ultra-long-range jets in the Global and Falcon families alongside midsize and large-cabin configurations. The official static display list will be published by MEBAA closer to the December 8 opening date at mebaa.com.
Who attends MEBAA Show and what do they buy?
MEBAA Show attracts aircraft owners, corporate flight department managers, charter operators, FBO providers, MRO organizations, aircraft brokers, fractional ownership companies, aviation lawyers, finance and insurance providers, and high-net-worth individuals from across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe. The show is a commercial platform where real transactions happen — the 2024 edition included Royal Jet and Airbus Corporate Jets MOUs, IC Leasing Falcon orders, and Honeywell and Sino Jet collaboration agreements. Buyers at MEBAA are typically evaluating new aircraft acquisitions, maintenance contracts, ground handling agreements, charter partnerships, and technology procurement. The Middle East region is expected to receive approximately 160 business jets worth USD 8.6 billion between 2026 and 2035 — making MEBAA the primary deal-making venue for a significant portion of that procurement pipeline. Source: AVI-GO Intelligence July 2026.
How is MEBAA Show different from Dubai Airshow?
MEBAA Show focuses exclusively on business and private aviation — serving corporate flight departments, charter operators, FBO providers, MRO organizations, and business jet manufacturers. It runs biennially in December. Dubai Airshow covers commercial airlines, defense, military aviation, and general aerospace at a larger biennial scale and runs in November in alternate years. MEBAA Show attracts buyers and decision-makers from the HNWI and corporate aviation market. Dubai Airshow attracts commercial airline procurement teams, defense ministries, and aerospace contractors. For business aviation professionals, MEBAA Show is the primary regional event. Dubai Airshow is relevant primarily for operators with commercial or defense interests alongside their business aviation operations. The two shows alternate every two years — Dubai Airshow ran in November 2025, MEBAA runs in December 2026. Source: aviatize.com MEBAA 2026 guide.
What is the Runway Party at MEBAA Show 2026?
The Runway Party at MEBAA Show 2026 takes place on December 8 from 16:00 to 20:00 at the Dubai Airshow Site at Dubai World Central. It is a networking event bringing together the business aviation industry at the close of the first show day. Tickets are priced at USD 149 until October 31, 2026, rising to USD 249 after that date. Attendance requires a Visitor Experience Pass in addition to the Runway Party ticket. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. The Runway Party is one of several networking formats at MEBAA Show 2026 alongside the Operators Program pre-arranged meetings, the BizAv Talks conference program, and the Platinum Guest Program for ultra-high-net-worth attendees. Registration is available at mebaa.com.
Last verified: November 4, 2026
All event data, exhibitor confirmations, speaker listings, and market statistics sourced from named publications with confirmed URLs. No unverified claims.
Author: Bilal Saeed