Mubadala, Boeing ink pact on research & development initiatives

Abu Dhabi / Emirates Business

Abu Dhabi-based investment and development firm Mubadala Development Company and Boeing [NYSE: BA] on Tuesday 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.”
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,” said Bernard Dunn, president, Boeing Middle East. “We are working with Abu Dhabi leaders to support development of a global aerospace hub in Abu Dhabi.”
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).