Every Airbus aircraft that is currently produced is equipped with parts made in the UAE. That’s quite a remarkable achievement for a country that began this production just under two decades ago. Strata, an Emirati company that was set up in 2009, produces wing parts, vertical tail planes and other components for both Airbus and Boeing, by a team made up of more than 65% Emiratis and almost 90% female engineers.
When I first arrived in the UAE in 2012, I was fascinated by the ambition and pace of the nation’s aviation sector. I was fortunate enough to be part of the team that launched The Residence for Etihad Airways, a unique offering at the time, by an airline that grew rapidly, and helped put Abu Dhabi on the global map.
The success of the UAE’s aviation sector has inspired movements in new industries including robotics and advanced mobility. A partnership between Emirates, DP World, dnata and Dubai Future Labs - led to the development of automated electric vehicles, autonomous baggage transport and robot check-in agents. These achievements have been a result of forward-looking vision, bold decisions, smart investments and always looking beyond the horizon.
One of the key milestones in the UAE’s journey has been the success of the A380, a marvel of modern engineering that redefined air travel. Emirates' fleet of A380s set new standards in passenger comfort and operational efficiency. The UAE took a bold decision to invest in some of the largest Airbus orders in history at Dubai Airshow, cementing the position of the emirate as a global hub for connectivity.
The region’s aviation industry has thrived by combining global expertise with investments in local talent. Communications campaigns on national pride and opportunities have inspired Emirati pilots and engineers to now be at the forefront of this sector. The blend of international knowledge and homegrown skills has been instrumental in the nation’s development.
The inspiring movement of the UAE echoes the success of the UK’s aviation journey. British Airways, along with other carriers such as BMI, benefited from deregulation, allowing for greater competition and improved services. The Gulf states, particularly the UAE, KSA and Qatar, have leveraged their geographic and economic advantages – and boosted them with open access - to continually invest in expanding their airlines and airports, ensuring they remain at the helm of global air transport.
The accomplishments of airlines in the Gulf are not just about economic benefits; they are about the ability to keep inspiring and keep advancing infrastructure and capacity. This relentless pursuit of excellence has positioned the region as a strategic epicentre for air travel, connecting people and places like never before. Without this connectivity, there wouldn’t be international fintech leaders in Dubai International Financial Centre or smart city pioneers setting up regional HQs in Riyadh.
Today we are preparing our campaign for the next edition of Dubai Airshow, which is set to be the biggest and best so far. Sustainable aviation fuel and flying taxis are high on the agenda for the event. I love working within this sector as it reminds us that with vision, boldness and investment in talent, we can build industries that not only drive economic growth but also inspire movements that create a better world.
Mohaned Lafi
Managing director, MENA