Riyadh, KSA – Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Aviation Club (SAC) have officially announced the launch of AERO Middle East x Sand & Fun 2026, positioning it as the largest and most influential general aviation airshow in the Middle East.

The event will take place at Thumamah Airport in Riyadh from 24–28 November 2026, marking the regional debut of the internationally recognized AERO brand and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s growing prominence within the global general aviation and business aviation landscape.

Strategic Partnership Strengthens Aviation Ecosystem

The event is being delivered in partnership with SAC, the Kingdom’s official general aviation club and independent non-profit organization founded by Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The club operates under the umbrella of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), providing the platform with strong institutional backing and regulatory alignment.

This collaboration aims to position Saudi Arabia at the center of the international general and business aviation ecosystem, while supporting the Kingdom’s ambition to rank among the world’s top 10 aviation markets under Vision 2030.

Integrated Global Aviation Platform

AERO Middle East x Sand & Fun 2026 represents a strategic expansion for Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia amid sustained global growth in general aviation and advanced air mobility. The five-day event will introduce an integrated format that combines:

• An international B2B exhibition
• Strategic business networking and investment engagement
• Live flying displays
• Aircraft showcases
• Public aviation programming and lifestyle experiences

At the heart of the platform, AERO Middle East will deliver a comprehensive business exhibition focused on general aviation, business aviation and next-generation air mobility across the Middle East and beyond.

The exhibition will bring together global OEMs, aircraft manufacturers, completions specialists, avionics providers, flight systems suppliers and MRO companies. It will also spotlight innovators in advanced air mobility, including eVTOL developers showcasing future-focused technologies, infrastructure solutions and operational models.

Business, Investment and Policy Dialogue

Beyond the exhibition floor, the event will host a robust business programme designed to generate measurable commercial outcomes. This will include international B2B matchmaking, hosted-buyer initiatives, investor engagement sessions and high-level policy discussions addressing certification, infrastructure development and regulatory frameworks for general and business aviation, as well as advanced air mobility operations.

These elements will be fully integrated into the broader Sand & Fun airshow experience, extending the platform’s appeal to industry professionals, aviation enthusiasts and the wider public.

Supporting Vision 2030

The launch directly supports Saudi Vision 2030’s aviation and mobility objectives, particularly in general aviation infrastructure development, pilot training, aviation skills enhancement and the deployment of advanced air mobility technologies.

His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Fahad Alfahaid, General Supervisor of the Saudi Aviation Club, described the event as a “transformative milestone” for the Kingdom’s aviation sector, emphasizing its role in attracting global investment, fostering international collaboration and inspiring the next generation of Saudi aviators.

Saudi Arabia has identified general aviation as a strategic enabler of regional connectivity, aerospace capability development and future mobility innovation. National initiatives are currently focused on expanding dedicated general aviation airports, increasing pilot and aircraft activity, and establishing regulatory frameworks to support emerging technologies such as eVTOL operations.

Azzan Mohamed, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia, said the ambition is to establish one of the world’s leading general aviation platforms. He noted that Thumamah Airport provides a unique environment to deliver a fully integrated format that combines business, innovation and public engagement.

Registration Now Open

With the official launch of AERO Middle East x Sand & Fun 2026, organizers have opened expressions of interest for exhibitors, partners and sponsors. Companies are invited to register through the event’s official website, with early booking opportunities now available.

The event is scheduled to run from 24 to 28 November 2026 at Thumamah Airport, Riyadh, further cementing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global convenor for aviation business, innovation and culture.