Story ID: 
MEBAA Meeting Explores Mideast Bizav Issues
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: Regional business aviation companies met in Dubai today to share information and discuss issues at the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) 
Word Count: 182
Regional business aviation companies met in Dubai today to share information and discuss issues at the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) roundtable. The first session covered issues affecting aircraft operators, while the second addressed training and recruitment. Dr. Raymond Hamdan, a clinical and forensic psychologist, made the final presentation, with a summary of key human factors that make pilots tick. "We are here to listen to you and to listen to any issues that you have," Ali Al Naqbi, founding chairman of MEBAA, said during opening remarks. "The business aviation market in the Middle East is now at a crucial stage in its further development and is poised to reach $1 billion by 2018." A recurring theme during the roundtable was the need for operators, regulators and existing and future business aviation clients to communicate with each other. "Constant dialogue and knowledge-sharing among the various stakeholders is key to removing operational bottlenecks and steering the industry toward long-term sustained growth," Al Naqbi said. All the participants agreed that MEBAA plays an important role in promoting business aviation in the MENA region.