Mubadala Development Company, the Abu Dhabi based investment and development company, and Boeing announced a new strategic agreement for collaboration on Research and Development (R&D) initiatives to further expand aerospace manufacturing capabilities in the UAE.
The agreement spans over five years and will see Boeing join Mubadala’s existing R&D ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, including the Aerospace Research and Innovation Center (ARIC) at Khalifa University and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.
Initial projects include research in the areas of robotics and aircraft assembly. While future projects will align with ongoing work in the UAE to provide the most value for Boeing, Mubadala and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Strata Manufacturing, the advanced composite aerostructures manufacturer based in Al Ain.
“Today’s agreement strengthens our longstanding relationship with Boeing, and provides a platform for continued innovation,” said Homaid Al Shemmari, Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace & Engineering Services at Mubadala.
“As we look to support Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification efforts and build a knowledge based economy across the UAE the development of new technology is crucial for a long-term sustainable industry. This agreement positions us for further collaboration in R&D, especially as Strata steadily matures its business with Boeing,” he added.
Building on the two companies’ strategic framework signed in Dubai in 2013, the R&D agreement will support the technology and capability roadmap of Strata, building on its vision to become a leading global aerospace supplier.
“Innovation and technology are woven into the fabric of our industry and Boeing’s DNA. We are working with Abu Dhabi leaders to support development of a global aerospace hub in Abu Dhabi,” said Bernard Dunn (photo), President, Boeing Middle East.
Currently, R&D projects underway include; robotic automation technologies in manufacturing and assembly of large composite structures such as Ailerons and Vertical Tail Planes (VTPs).
Established and owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi, the company’s strategy is built on the creation of partnerships and on long-term, capital-intensive investments that deliver strong financial returns, contribute to the growth and diversification of Abu Dhabi’s economy, and create opportunities for current and future generations in the United Arab Emirates.
Mubadala brings together and manages a multi-billion dollar portfolio of local, regional and international investments and partners with leading global organizations to operate businesses across a wide range of industry sectors. These include aerospace, semiconductors, metals & mining, oil & gas, renewables, information & communications technology, healthcare, real estate & infrastructure, utilities, and defense services.
Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in 150 countries.
Boeing products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems, and performance-based logistics and training.
