Mubadala masterclass highlights future opportunities in aviation

Business Bureau, Gulf Today

Mubadala Investment Company, the Abu Dhabi-based global investor, hosted a university masterclass, which included leading UAE aerospace and space organisations in partnership with Dubai Airshow.

The masterclass took the form of a panel discussion and was moderated by Badr Al-Olama, Head of Mubadala Aerospace. The session included Dr. Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency; Ismail Abdulla, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Strata Manufacturing; Mansoor Janahi, CEO of Sanad Aerotech; and Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat).

Reinforcing Mubadala’s commitment to initiatives targeting youth, Al-Olama commented: “Today’s masterclass aimed to inspire future leaders to pursue career opportunities in aviation, ICT and space industries. We hope this session built an understanding of the avenues young people can pursue and highlighted Mubadala’s commitment to engage with talented and ambitious future pioneers. It is only with their involvement that we will develop the next generation of innovations to spur new developments.”

Dr Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, added: “One of the UAE Space Agency’s main objectives is enhancing the UAE’s national capabilities and raising awareness of the importance of space technologies. Mubadala masterclass adheres to our mission through inspiring students to pursue STEM education and be prepared to enter advanced industries like space, aviation, and ICT, to contribute to the growth of our nation and support the diversification of the UAE’s economy.”

 “The UAE Space Agency collaborates with schools, universities, educational establishments, and local and global space entities to ensure Emirati youth are provided with the required training to prepare them to become future space pioneers,” Dr Al Ahbabi added.

The 60-minute session drew attention to the rich and varied roles available within the aviation, space and ICT sectors. “With the emergence of technologies such as 3D printing, automation and robotics, entire sectors and industries are being disrupted. As a result, new skills will be needed to meet the jobs of tomorrow in order to succeed and achieve new milestones,” Al-Olama said.

With the UAE being one of the largest markets in the world for aerospace, civil and military aircraft, the sector contributes approximately $80 billion to the country’s economy; about 15 per cent of its GDP. With such a strong and growing sector, young people’s prospects for employment and career growth in the industry remain promising.

Mubadala has renewed its partnership with Boeing to continue the highly successful joint-internship programme.

The programme was established in 2015 to grow the capabilities and skills of UAE’s future workforce and position them for a successful career in aviation and aerospace. The internship is an experiential learning opportunity at Boeing facilities in the United States that exposes a select group of undergraduate engineering students from the UAE to exciting career options in the world of aerospace engineering. Throughout the 18-week programme, the students participate in professional development activities, build their network and broaden their exposure to Boeing and aerospace engineering. The students will be introduced to Fabrication, Manufacturing Engineering, Liaison Engineering, and Industrial Engineering modules during the programme.

In line with Mubadala’s goal of positioning Abu Dhabi as a global aerospace hub and expanding manufacturing output volumes, the programme has already had a positive impact for 40 Emirati candidates. Several graduates have gone on to secure employment at wholly-owned Mubadala companies such as, Strata Manufacturing, the composite aero-structures manufacturing company; Sanad Aerotech, the leading Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) operation based in Abu Dhabi; and Yahsat, a leading global satellite operator providing innovative satellite communication solutions to government and commercial customers.

Commenting on the renewal of the programme, Badr Al-Olama, Head of Mubadala Aerospace, said: “Boeing is a long-term strategic partner and we are proud to collaborate with them once again on this important programme. In order to continue the development of the UAE’s aerospace industry, it is essential we invest in our most valuable asset – our youth– to build the future generation of aerospace professionals who will continue building the sector in the UAE.” “We are pleased to be working with Mubadala again on this successful programme. The Boeing-Mubadala Co-Op internship programme provides valuable aerospace engineering expertise, bolstering the UAE’s aeronautical capabilities. The students that graduated from this programme have shown great initiative, knowledge and skills and we look forward to welcoming the next cohort” said Bernard Dunn, president of Boeing Middle East, North Africa and Turkey.