Under the Dubai Airshow 2025, Airbus and Abu Dhabi-based sovereign investor, Mubadala Investment Company, have signed a Collaboration Framework Agreement (CFA), which is a major milestone to consolidate the aerospace ecosystem of the UAE.
The deal was signed by the Executive Director of Mubadala’s UAE Clusters Unit, Amer Siddiqui, at the UAE Investment Platform, and Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power, Airbus Defence and Space.
The new agreement establishes a collaboration in the manufacturing, assembly, and support of the Airbus A400M aircraft.
According to the contract terms, Strata, a high-technology aerostructure production plant, a Mubadala national champion, is poised to be a supplier to the A400M programme that will see a series of work packages defined between Strata and Airbus.
The collaboration will lead to the development of new high-skilled jobs within the UAE, which will directly contribute to the strategic industrial priorities in the country.
Furthermore, Airbus will collaborate to assist Mubadala in projects in other areas, such as the development of a National Aerospace Training Center of Excellence in Al Ain, as part of the ambition of Mubadala to develop world-class talent to meet the increasing aerospace demands in the UAE.
Amer Siddiqui stated that “We view this agreement as a key driver for advancing the UAE’s aerospace ambitions and deepening our industrial partnerships. By working with Airbus, we are positioning Mubadala and the UAE as a key contributor to the global aerospace supply chain, while also investing in the skills and capabilities that will drive our sector’s future growth.”
Head of Air Power, Airbus Defense and Space, Jean-Brice Dumont, said, “We are delighted to deepen our partnership with Mubadala through this landmark agreement, which reflects our shared commitment to advancing the UAE’s aerospace industry. By extending Airbus and Mubadala’s collaboration through the A400M programme, our flagship, we are not only strengthening our industrial base but also contributing with sustained impact in the local expertise and high-value jobs. Together, we look forward to building a robust foundation for future collaboration and innovation.”
Airbus has had a history of presence in the Middle East, collaborating with governments, armed forces, and industry partners to provide innovative aerospace solutions and support the development of local talent.
The company has been working towards serving the UAE’s dreams of industrialization, innovation, and global leadership in the aerospace sector based on the development of Mubadala Investment Company, which currently provides aerostructures, such as inboard flaps, to the commercial widebody aircraft programmes.
