Dubai World Central signs MoU with Middle East Business Aviation Association

• DWC to host and facilitate MEBAA’s operations
• Two leading aviation bodies to jointly undertake initiatives to promote regional industry

Dubai World Central (DWC), the region’s first aerotropolis, signed today a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), a non-profit organisation that aims to develop and promote business jet and general aviation sector in the region.

The MoU was signed by Rashed Buqara’a, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai World Central, and Ali Al Naqbi, Founding Chairman MEBAA, at Middle East Business Aviation 2010, the region’s premier business aviation show, which took place in Dubai from December 7-9, 2010.

Under the terms of the agreement, DWC will host and facilitate MEBAA’s operations at DWC premises. Additionally, DWC will become an honorary member of MEBAA. DWC and MEBAA will also jointly undertake initiatives to promote the regional business jet and general aviation industry.

The 140-square-kilometre Dubai World Central is part of the Dubai Government’s overall 2015 strategy to enhance the emirate’s transport and logistics services and capitalise on its geographical location to make Dubai a regional hub for logistics. Over 30 leading international companies have already committed to establish a base in DWC, with growing interest from a number of multinational companies.

“Dubai World Central and MEBAA share a common objective of promoting the rapidly growing regional aviation sector,” said Buqara’a. “Together, both organisations play a significant role in the developing the industry here in the Gulf and across the world. We are confident that the partnership will create more opportunities for industry participants active in the region to benefit from the incredible growth opportunities at DWC and in the wider Middle East region.”

DWC is mega-urban development designed around Al Maktoum International Airport, which on completion will become the largest airport in the world. Located within the epicentre of regional trade hubs, DWC is creating the region’s first aerotropolis providing multimodal transport, global connectivity and operational predictability in a fast-cycle business environment.

Ali Al Naqbi, Founding Chairman of MEBAA, said: “Our vision is to be the principle forum for gathering, understanding and communicating the needs and benefits of business aviation within the Middle East. Being based within the region’s first aerotropolis will provide immense benefits to members of MEBAA, offering them easy access to industry. We are therefore delighted to sign this partnership agreement with Dubai World Central.”

MEBAA was launched in 2006 to promote safety, security, efficiency and expansion throughout the region’s business aviation sector. It was formed with a founding member base that includes Airbus, Boeing Business Jet, Bombardier, Dassault Falcon, Emirates CAE, ExecuJet, Fairs & Exhibitions, Falcon Aviation Services, Gulfstream, Jet Aviation, Lufthansa Technik, National Air Services (NAS) and Wallan Aviation.