Ali Ahmed Alnaqbi is the Founding and Executive Chairman of the Middle East & North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) based in the United Arab Emirates. A seasoned industry professional with 35 years of experience in the aviation industry and sits on the Board of several reputed international aviation companies.
He entered the industry as Vice President for Finance & Administration in the Presidential Flight in UAE. In this role, he became involved with VIP air transportation and is the founder of Royal Jet, which is currently one of the world’s most award-winning VIP aviation operators. During this period, Alnaqbi realized that there was inadequate knowledge and misconception of business aviation in the region, and in 2006, he began identifying stakeholders to establish MEBAA.
With his vast administrative and financial expertise, which includes aircraft purchase, sale, lease, VIP interior completion, and supervising the construction of the Presidential Flight buildings, Alnaqbi was able to make valuable contributions in the business aviation sector using his expertise to serve (MEBAA) and represent the industry throughout the region.
In 2007, Alnaqbi was elected to represent MEBAA in the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), based in Canada. In 2017, he was elected to the position of Vice President of the council for a period of 3 years, after which he was elected to chair the IBAC in 2020 to be the first Arab ever to hold this post in the International Council. Alnaqbi was re-elected as Chairman of the council for the second time in a row for a period of three years (2023-2025).
Alnaqbi and MEBAA have spread their influence for business aviation into humanitarian fields with support for the World Food Program (WFP), a body under the United Nations wing that fight hunger through the creation of Fly & Feed donation program.
Alnaqbi has succeeded in encouraging members of this sector in the Middle East and North Africa to achieve a tremendous growth rate by breaking barriers for effective communication among members and working to promote awareness of the role and importance of business aviation among the governments in the region and is a regular speaker at various business aviation forums and conferences and is a recognized authority around the world.
SPEAKER SESSIONS
BizAv Talks Agenda
10 December 2024 | 11:50 - 12:05 | Keynote: Finding the value in the market – UAE and MENA perspective
This opening session explore the reasons behind the growth of business aviation in the region, with a particular focus on sustainability from a UAE and Middle Eastern perspective. Join us to explore the unique factors and opportunities that drive this dynamic market.
BizAv Talks Agenda
12 December 2024 | 14:10 - 14:25 | Career Insights in Business Aviation
Join us for an inspiring session where MEBAA Chairman, Mr. Ali Alnaqbi, will engage students with insights into the dynamic and rewarding industry of business aviation. Discover exciting career opportunities, learn from industry leaders, and explore the future of business aviation. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable knowledge and prepare for a successful journey in this thriving field.
