Global Aerospace Summit to take place in Abu Dhabi in April

The invitation-only strategic forum for senior international industry leaders in aviation, aerospace, defense and space is hosted by Mubadala Development Company and organised by Streamline Marketing Group. The Summit will run from 7-8 April 2014 at the St. Regis Hotel, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, and is expected to attract more than 1,000 C-level executives from across the world, making it one of the most important industry forums this year.  It will focus on the challenges of driving industrialisation and growth while adapting to global socio-economic change. 

Speaking at a London media event ahead of the Summit, Homaid Al Shemmari, CEO of Aerospace and Engineering Services at Mubadala, said: “We look forward to hosting our peers and partners in Abu Dhabi and sharing with them the continuing story of our progress towards becoming a global industrial hub for aviation, aerospace, defense and space. 

“Since its inaugural edition in 2012, the Global Aerospace Summit has become one of the world’s leading gatherings for senior executives from across the spectrum of these industries. This year’s Summit will also have larger representation from emerging markets.” 

“Over the past few years, Abu Dhabi has developed its manufacturing capabilities across the aviation and aerospace industries, through Mubadala's aerospace manufacturing arm, Strata. We have also become proud suppliers of aircraft parts for global companies such as Airbus, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky,” added Mr. Al Shemmari. 

He continued: “We are also humbled to be able to take a position among the top 10 satellite operators through Yahsat, an achievement that has positioned the UAE as a key player in the satellite and space industry. 

“To develop our capabilities and maintain a global competitive advantage, we have ensured that R&D plays a key part within our businesses. Our annual R&D spending is something that we need to invest more in as we collaborate with academic institutions and partnerships with OEMs,” he said. 

The Summit’s key themes will focus on workforce development and industrialisation.  There will be dedicated sector-specific strategy seminars including Defense Industry Closed Door Briefings, an Abu Dhabi Suppliers Forum and a Military, Satellite and Communications session. It will bring industry experts together to answer the challenges faced by the sector and shape future growth strategies.