ABU DHABI, The 6th edition of the Global Aerospace Summit 2022, hosted by Mubadala, commenced today in Abu Dhabi, welcoming around 1,000 C-level leaders, experts and specialists from across the aviation, aerospace, space and defence sectors.
This is the first in-person edition of the Summit since the 2018 edition.
Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, in his opening ministerial address, highlighted the importance of the Global Aerospace Summit in providing a platform for sector leaders to provide unique insights on the future of the industries. He explained how the UAE has become a pioneer in scientific advancement and development across a range of sectors keeping pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
He added that the UAE has unleashed its potential to become the capital of artificial intelligence and digital technology, and the first in the region in the area of space exploration.
Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer, UAE Investments Platform at Mubadala Investment Company, described the UAE’s commitment to developing pioneering new technologies, innovating new products and achieving greater sustainability.
Badr Al Olama, Executive Director, UAE Clusters, Mubadala, highlighted the success of the UAE’s journey in developing an aerospace hub that includes manufacturing led by Emirati’s and women playing key roles in its development. Al Olama also explained the progress being made in sustainable aviation fuel and in clean energy transition.
Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Chief Economic Development Officer at Tawazun highlighted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, foreign direct investment (FDI) and the economic impact actually increased, thanks to the economic incentives that both the UAE government and Tawazun provide for investors and partners. “UAE has made big investments in the aerospace sector and our policies have always been an integral part to this growth. Our focus is on investment in future aerospace supply chains, technologies & human capital,” he noted.
Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group focused on the importance of the industry working together to achieve greater decarbonisation and reach Net Zero by 2050. He highlighted the success of the airline in making significant progress in achieving increased sustainability.
The Summit witnessed how aligning defence suppliers and customers in strategic partnership roles leads to improved defence capabilities, human capital development, cost savings and efficiencies.
Walid Abukhaled, CEO of Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), highlighted during his keynote speech and panel how SAMI is creating jobs though international partnerships, with the organisation committed to being a top 25 global defence contractor by 2030.
Commenting on the summit, he said, “The Global Aerospace Summit has earned a reputation for steering the growth of the aviation industry through impactful conversations. As a fast-growing defense and security player, SAMI recognises its commitment to being part of this mission and considers its sponsorship of the event as an important contribution toward future-proofing the sector.”
The Summit has an exceptional three-day agenda of panel discussions and speeches on the wider aerospace, defence, aviation and space industry.
In Timothy Hawes, Managing Director of Tarsus, Middle East, commented, “Advanced contracting and enhanced technology is leading to a greater focus on defence partnerships, helping to secure longer-term safety and security of nations. The Global Aerospace Summit showcases some of the most advanced technology and methods for partnerships within the international defence sector. The focus on defence at the Summit helps organisations learn about cutting-edge defence capabilities with valuable input from international partners and governments.”
The interactive Summit programme is designed to foster collaboration, encourage partnerships and provide bold, disruptive solutions. In addition, the 2022 event added new elements such as a dedicated start-up mentorship clinic lead by Aerospace Xelerated, and technology leadership briefings, focused on implementation of technology in the aerospace sector.
Source: Emirates News Agency