Despite a dour world economy, organizers of the Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) show, which runs this Sunday through Tuesday in Dubai, expect to exceed last year’s $907 million record as global investors from 29 countries vie for a slice of the region’s growing charter market. Current forecasts predict 15-percent annual growth rates for business aviation in the Middle East over the next five years. Pre-show exhibitor and visitor registrations at MEBA 2008 have increased by 150 percent over last year’s event, with more than 5,000 visitors and 250 exhibitors from Europe, the U.S., Asia and the Middle East expected at the show. More than 60 aircraft will be on static display at this year’s event. “MEBA is creating an even louder buzz this year as the Middle East achieves greater significance for investors in light of the uncertain global climate elsewhere,” noted Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) founding chairman Ali Al Naqbi. “Since MEBA’s inception three years ago, the growth we have seen is testament to the global market’s eagerness to look to the regional business aviation market for tangible business opportunities.” MEBA is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai’s department of civil aviation and chairman of Emirates Group. AINalerts will be publishing a special issue from MEBA on Sunday.