• In support of Saudi Vision 2030, this exhibition will contribute to strengthening the Kingdom’s position among the top ten global aviation markets, targeting 330 million passengers and 100 million tourists, in addition to connecting it to more than 250 destinations by 2030.
• The exhibition will be held at Thumamah Airport in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, from November 24 to 28, 2026.
• Registration is now open for exhibitors, partners and sponsors, and we invite companies to register via the official exhibition website.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Aviation Club have officially announced the launch of "Aero Middle East & Sand & Fun 2026", a leading aviation platform expected to become the largest and most important general aviation exhibition in the Middle East region.

This exhibition is held in partnership with the Saudi Aviation Club, the official general aviation club in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, an independent non-profit organization founded by His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and operating under the umbrella of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the regulator of the civil aviation sector in the Kingdom. This partnership provides a solid foundation and places the exhibition at the heart of the established and growing general aviation system in the Kingdom.

The Aero Middle East & Sand & Fun 2026 exhibition, which represents the regional debut of the global Aero brand, will be held at Al Thumamah Airport in Riyadh, from November 24 to 28, 2026, further enhancing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s position in the international general aviation, business aviation, and advanced air mobility sectors.

This launch represents a significant strategic expansion for Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia in light of the continued global growth in the general aviation sector and the next generation of air mobility.

This exhibition presents a new and integrated model for aviation that combines international business, investment and innovation, with live flight demonstrations, immersive interactive experiences for the public, and unique experiences in the world of aviation, all within one integrated event.

Aero Middle East, led by Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia, forms the core of this platform, combining an international business exhibition with a strategic business dimension, and focusing on the development of general aviation, business aviation, and the future of air mobility in the Middle East region and beyond.

The exhibition will also bring together major global general aircraft manufacturers, aircraft builders, and outfitters, along with avionics suppliers, flight systems suppliers, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) companies, providing a comprehensive marketplace covering the entire general aviation value chain. In parallel, Aero Middle East will highlight advanced air mobility ( AAM ) startups and electric vertical takeoff and landing ( eVTOL ) aircraft innovators, showcasing the technologies and business models shaping the future of aviation.

The exhibition will also feature a dedicated business program designed to deliver tangible commercial results. This program will include networking with investors, international business matchmaking events, buyer hosting programs, and discussions on policies and regulations related to accreditation pathways, infrastructure development, and market access for the general aviation, business aviation, and advanced air transport sectors.

These elements will also be seamlessly integrated into the broader Sand & Fun Air Show experience, expanding the platform over five days with air shows, aircraft displays, and general aviation programs.

The “Sand & Fun” platform has already received strong national and institutional support, with ministerial and governmental participation in the 2025 cycle, which enhances the credibility, scope and long-term support on which the joint “Aero Middle East” and “Sand & Fun” platform is based.

Supporting Vision 2030 and the ambitions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the aviation sector:

The launch of Aero Middle East and Sand & Fun 2026 directly supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 in the aviation and mobility sector, with a particular focus on the development of general aviation, business aviation, pilot training, flying skills, and the next generation of air mobility.

Regarding this launch, His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Fahd Al-Fuhaid, General Supervisor of the Saudi Aviation Club, said: “The launch of the ‘Aero Middle East x Sand & Fun 2026’ exhibition represents a qualitative leap in the Kingdom’s aviation sector, reinforcing our commitment to establishing Saudi Arabia as a global hub for general aviation and advanced air mobility. Our partnership with Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia is not limited to showcasing global innovations, but also aims to create a vital platform for international investment and strategic cooperation. This event is a direct driver for achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, supporting our journey towards joining the top 10 global markets in the general aviation sector and inspiring the next generation of aviation leaders in the Kingdom.”

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has identified general aviation as a strategic enabler for regional connectivity, space capabilities development, private and commercial aviation growth, and innovation of future mobility solutions. National initiatives focus on expanding general aviation infrastructure, activating dedicated airports, increasing pilot and aircraft activity, and establishing regulatory frameworks to support advanced air mobility operations, including the deployment of electric vertical takeoff and landing ( eVTOL ) aircraft.

By bringing together global manufacturers, operators, regulators, investors and technology innovators in a dedicated aviation environment, the exhibition provides an international platform that aligns with these priorities and reinforces the Kingdom’s commitment to building a sustainable and globally connected aviation ecosystem.

On this occasion, Azzan Mohammed, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia, said: “Our ambition is to make Aero Middle East and Sand & Fun 2026 one of the most important aviation exhibitions in the world, as Thumamah Airport provides an ideal platform that enables us to benefit from a hybrid format that combines a world-class business exhibition, dynamic air shows, and an immersive interactive experience for the public.”

He added: “We are focused on attracting comprehensive international participation, from original equipment manufacturers and regulatory bodies to investors, innovators, families and future talents in the aviation sector. This exhibition is more than just a passing event; it is a sustainable legacy that will make Saudi Arabia a new capital of global aviation, in full line with Vision 2030.”

Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the Saudi Aviation Club, is reinforcing the Kingdom’s role as a global hub for aviation business, innovation and culture through the launch of Aero Middle East and Sand & Fun 2026. This exhibition is designed to be an ideal long-term platform to accelerate the growth of general aviation, establish international partnerships, stimulate investment and inspire the next generation of aviation leaders.

Companies wishing to participate as exhibitors, partners, or sponsors can register their interest via the official website of the exhibition, where booking and early communication opportunities are now available.

The exhibition will take place at Thumamah Airport, near Riyadh, from November 24 to 28, 2026.

For more information about the exhibition, please visit: www.sandnfun.com

About Aero Middle East:

Aero Middle East is the regional edition of Aero International, the world's leading general aviation exhibition and one of the oldest and most prestigious platforms in the sector. The Middle East edition is designed to reflect regional market priorities while maintaining international standards, global reach, and the renowned Aero brand reputation.

About the Saudi Aviation Club

The Saudi Aviation Club was established by Cabinet Resolution No. 217 dated 8/9/1421 AH (December 4, 2000). The club was created as an independent, non-profit organization with the aim of promoting aviation science and developing general aviation and air sports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The club was founded by His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and operates under the umbrella of the General Authority of Civil Aviation. Its headquarters are located at Thumamah Airport, approximately 60 kilometers north of Riyadh.

About Messi Frankfurt :

Messe Frankfurt is one of the world's leading organizers of trade fairs, conferences, and events, with its own exhibition and events center. It employs around 2,500 people at its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and across 28 subsidiaries worldwide. The Group's sales in fiscal year 2024 exceeded €780 million. The company focuses on efficiently serving its clients' business interests in the areas of exhibition and event organization, venue leasing, and service provision. One of Messe Frankfurt's key strengths is its robust and closely connected global sales network, covering approximately 180 countries across all regions of the world. The company offers a comprehensive range of services – both on-site and online – ensuring clients worldwide consistently benefit from high quality and flexibility in planning, organizing, and managing their events. Furthermore, the company leverages best practices to develop innovative business models. The extensive range of services includes exhibition venue leasing, trade fair construction and marketing, staffing, and hospitality .

Sustainability is a key pillar of the company's strategy. Here, the company strikes the right balance between environmental and economic interests, social responsibility, and diversity .

For more information, please visit our website : www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability

The company is headquartered in Frankfurt am Main and is 60% owned by the City of Frankfurt and 40% by the State of Hesse. For more information, please visit our website: www.messefrankfurt.com

About Vernamek GmbH:

Vernamek GmbH, a joint venture established in 2021 between Messe Frankfurt and Messe Friedrichshafen, specializes in organizing innovative and future-oriented mobility events. Through its participation in Aero, the leading international trade fair for general aviation, and Eurobike, the world's leading trade fair for bicycles, e-bikes, and eco-mobility, Vernamek occupies a leading position in the global aviation and urban mobility platforms, expanding its international network of associated events worldwide.

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