After the Covid pandemic interrupted its biennial schedule in 2020, the Middle Eastern Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) Show returns this December for the first time since 2018. Scheduled to take place from December 6 through 8 at the Dubai Airshow site at Dubai World Central/Al Maktoum International Airport, this year is expected to equal if not exceed the 2018 event, according to MEBAA founding and executive chairman Ali Alnaqbi.

To further encourage networking, this year’s show will feature a circular, more open floor plan rather than the typical closely packed aisles associated with trade shows. As the registration level has accelerated closer to the show date, Alnaqbi said he expects between 400 and 500 exhibitors including more than 40 first-time MEBAA exhibitors. “After the pandemic, people were not sure, but the Dubai Airshow last year gave confidence in the capability of us putting on a very exciting show,” he told AIN. Other features will include a VIP lounge, and a new technologies and innovation conference. In addition, organizers say the static display will host between 40 and 50 aircraft.

With the attendee registration window open now for several weeks, Alnaqbi is very encouraged by the pace. “This is the only business aviation show in the Middle East and North Africa so everybody is excited to come back after the small pause of the pandemic,” he said.