Why Boeing’s partnership with the UAE continues to reach for the skies

In that period, it has astounded the world with the pace and scope of its growth, including audacious and innovative infrastructure projects; continued development of a diversified economy; and,most recently, space exploration.

The UAE has also taken a leadership position in critical issues facing the world today, particularly in the field of renewable energy and through its commitment to reaching net zero by 2050.

This is a nation that from its inception has had a clear vision of what it wants to be and how it intends to get there. The founding father of the nation, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, understood that the UAE would need to develop an economy that was not wholly dependent on crude oil production – decades before others recognised and accepted that concept.

He also recognised that there was strength in unity, first in the establishment of the UAE itself and then as a driving force behind the formation of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Because the UAE was formed in uncertain political times, he understood that it needed to quickly develop a modern military to protect itself against unwelcome outside influences.

That vision was shared by another great founding father, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, responsible for the transformation of the emirate from a small cluster of settlements near Dubai Creek to a modern port city, commercial hub and major tourist destination. And who would have believed that, from its humble beginnings operating two leased airplanes in the mid-1980s, Emirates would become one of the largest airlines in the world or that Jebel Ali Port would become one of the world’s largest container ports?

This is before we even talk about the construction projects that have transformed Dubai into one of the most recognisable cities in the world. You only need to see the Burj Khalifa or the outline of the Palm Jumeirah to be able to name the city.

Boeing’s mission

As a company, Boeing’s mission is to protect, connect and explore the world and beyond. The UAE is home to a number of dynamic and innovative airlines, and so it is easy to see why Boeing and the UAE have been such compatible partners over the years.
Emirates is the largest 777 operator globally, and both Emirates and Etihad were among the first airlines to order the 777X, which made its international debut in the UAE in November during the Dubai Airshow. Etihad is the largest operator of the 787 Dreamliner in the region, while flydubai is the largest regional customer for the 737.

Solid partnership

We are especially proud to work with the UAE armed forces and to support them with the most advanced Boeing products and services, which include the AH-64 Apache, CH-47 Chinook and C-17 Globemaster III.

Through our warehouse and parts operations as well as our world-class digital portfolio, we are able to serve our regional and UAE customers, due to the UAE’s unique geographical position and its investment in infrastructure.

But what I believe differentiates Boeing’s contribution is its commitment to enabling the building of an aerospace industrial base in the UAE. There is no better example of this than the 787 vertical fin, manufactured by Strata Manufacturing, recently on display at the Dubai Airshow.

The 787 vertical fin was the result of a world-class collaboration between Boeing and Strata, which I saw first-hand when I recently visited the Strata facility and its next-door neighbour, Strata Solvay Advanced Materials, a new joint venture facility formed between Mubadala and Solvay, which will manufacture pre-impregnated composite materials for the 777X.
In addition to our partnership with Strata, Boeing recently announced work packages from Edge Precision Industries (EPI) for complex metallic machined parts, further expanding the UAE’s industrial base by enabling advanced materials manufacturing.

Focus on sustainability

Boeing has also partnered with the UAE for the past decade in sustainability projects, and we have a clear shared vision in this regard. Boeing is a founding member of the Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium with Etihad and other partners to develop sustainable aviation fuel.

Boeing is also in a strategic partnership with Etihad centred on its fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, to focus on innovation, continuous operational optimisation and improving aviation sustainability.

From my personal perspective, I love that so many people from so many different nationalities feel that they can call the UAE their home while supporting and contributing to the singular vision of its founding fathers. It’s also important to me that our offices in the UAE reflect the diversity of the nation and its emphasis on tolerance and inclusion.

I am proud to be with a company that has played a small part in this amazing transformation, and I look forward to supporting the country’s innovative and impressive plans.