Abu Dhabi sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Company and Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer have signed a strategic framework agreement covering aircraft supply chains, maintenance services, aerospace research and workforce development in the United Arab Emirates.
The agreement was signed at the Farnborough International Airshow by Amer Siddiqui, executive director at Mubadala’s UAE Investments Platform, and Dimas Douglas Tomelin, Embraer’s chief strategy and innovation officer.
The framework establishes areas in which the companies and Mubadala-owned aerospace businesses could pursue future projects.
Agreement Targets Manufacturing and Maintenance
The collaboration covers the supply of aircraft components, maintenance, repair and overhaul services, research and development, and human capital programs. The companies said they intend to build a long-term relationship rather than limit their work to a single contract or aircraft program.
Sanad and Strata Manufacturing, two aerospace companies within Mubadala’s UAE investment portfolio, are expected to take central roles. Abu Dhabi-based Sanad could pursue opportunities to maintain Embraer aircraft or related systems and expand those services across the Gulf Cooperation Council and the wider South Asia, Middle East and North Africa region.
Sanad currently provides engine maintenance and aerospace services to more than 40 airline customers. Its potential involvement would give Embraer access to an established regional maintenance network, while allowing Sanad to explore work connected to another major aircraft manufacturer.
Strata Seeks Larger Role in Embraer Supply Chain
Strata Manufacturing, based in Al Ain, will explore becoming a tier-one supplier for Embraer aircraft programs. Tier-one aerospace suppliers generally deliver complete systems, structures or major assemblies directly to an aircraft manufacturer, often while managing their own network of smaller suppliers.
The framework could involve Strata producing aerostructures, components and advanced-material parts for Embraer platforms. Strata already manufactures aircraft components for several international aerospace companies and has continued expanding its capabilities in composite production and more complex manufacturing work.
A separate Embraer announcement published during the airshow confirmed that the aircraft manufacturer and Strata had launched a strategic collaboration focused on commercial aircraft aerostructures. The broader Mubadala framework creates a route for that relationship to expand, but the companies have not disclosed the aircraft platforms, production volumes, delivery schedule or investment required for Strata to obtain tier-one status.
Strata’s workforce is 68% Emirati. Connecting its employees with Embraer programs could expand local experience in aircraft production, quality assurance and international supply-chain management.
Research and Training Form Part of the Plan
Embraer and Mubadala also plan to develop training programs for Emirati engineers and aerospace professionals. The proposed activities include practical instruction, technical knowledge transfer and placements for UAE nationals at Embraer facilities.
Workforce development is significant because aircraft manufacturing and maintenance require specialized engineering, certification and quality-control expertise that can take years to build. Exposure to Embraer’s operations could give participating employees direct experience with the processes used by a manufacturer that operates across commercial aviation, executive jets, defense, agricultural aviation and aftermarket services.
Research activities are expected to focus on next-generation aerostructure technologies, including composite materials, additive manufacturing and high-temperature alloys. The companies also raised the possibility of establishing a jointly located innovation hub where new parts and production methods could move from initial design through prototyping and industrial-scale manufacturing.
UAE Expands Domestic Aerospace Capacity
The agreement reflects Embraer’s broader effort to deepen its industrial presence in the UAE through manufacturing, maintenance, skills development and aerospace research. Rather than relying solely on exports, the company is exploring ways to support more production and technical activity within the country.
Mubadala presented the framework as part of its long-term investment in the UAE’s aviation and aerospace ecosystem. Its portfolio includes companies involved in aircraft structures, advanced materials, engine maintenance and aviation asset management.
The initiative also supports Operation 300bn, the UAE’s national industrial strategy. The program aims to increase the industrial sector’s contribution to gross domestic product to $81.68 billion (AED300 billion) by 2031, up from $36.21 billion (AED133 billion) when the strategy was launched.
Abu Dhabi is separately advancing an industrial strategy focused on expanding advanced manufacturing, attracting international companies and increasing locally produced exports. Aerospace is one of several priority areas, alongside autonomous transportation, energy technology and pharmaceuticals.
The Mubadala-Embraer agreement provides a framework for contributing to those goals, although its economic impact cannot yet be measured.
