Security, Aerospace & Defence
From The Report: Abu Dhabi 2015
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Driven in large part by targeted government investment and an offset programme aimed at bolstering domestic capacity, Abu Dhabi has witnessed tremendous growth in its aerospace and defence industry in recent times. National Service was introduced in the UAE in 2014 and is mandatory for Emiratis aged 18 to 30. The government has also launched a range of training programmes aimed at bolstering its national security initiatives and applying international best practices to the domestic security sector. Moving forward the UAE is expected to double homeland security spending over the next 10 years, from $5.5bn to more than $10bn, while the emirate’s growing aerospace sector is having positive knock-on effects for domestic industry, with additional training set to boost employees’ qualifications in other key areas, such as foundries and shipbuilding.

This chapter contains a viewpoint from Homaid Al Shemmari, CEO of Aerospace and Engineering Services, Mubadala.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

With strong support from the government, the industry has seen notable growth and a host of new investments
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Driven in large part by targeted government investment, an offset programme aimed at bolstering domestic capacity and regional unrest that has led to greater defence spending, Abu Dhabi has witnessed tremendous growth in its aerospace and defence industry of late. In the aerospace sector, the emirate has already established itself as a leading global provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, while partnerships with leading international aviation firms will see an uptick in original…

Viewpoint

Homaid Al Shemmari, CEO of Aerospace and Engineering Services, Mubadala, on opportunities and threats
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The UAE defence and aerospace sectors are growing rapidly as our country assumes a greater presence on the world stage. This growth comes with unique opportunities for foreign investors, not just to increase sales, but to engage with an emerging global hub. Like the armed forces in many other countries, the UAE Armed Forces are moving towards the outsourcing of key services as they seek to enhance value for money and increase the quality of the products and services they use. Globally, government…

Analysis

A recent merger promises to significantly alter the layout of the sector
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The local aerospace and defence industry has witnessed significant developments over the last year, including the launch of the Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC) in December 2014 by Mubadala Development Company and Tawazun Holding. Going forward, EDIC is set to become one the region’s primary integrated national defence services and manufacturing platforms, providing a range of facilities, technology and support services. A Bigger Presence EDIC will comprise 11 subsidiaries of Mubadala…

Analysis

Local defence manufacturing continues to expand, supplying an increasing number of products
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Abu Dhabi’s defence industry has grown at an impressive pace in recent years, bolstered in large part by the expansion of its local manufacturing capabilities. Several leading global players have partnered with the emirate to establish facilities locally, a demonstration of the success of the country’s offset programme, and ensuring a steady, long-term supply of high-demand defence products. These efforts are part of a wider GCC strategy to maintain regional security at a time of increasing tensions…