Boeing and Mubadala Development Co. yesterday signed a so-called strategic framework agreement covering “key” areas of collaboration, including such “mutual beneficial areas” as composite manufacturing, engineering, research and development, commercial maintenance, repair and overhaul, military maintenance and sustainment, pilot training and people development.

Mubadala, a business development and investment vehicle of the Abu Dhabi government, called the agreement the start of a long-term mutual commitment to drive forward Abu Dhabi’s plans to become a global aerospace hub. Meanwhile, the deal expands Boeing’s relationship with the United Arab Emirates and enhances its global supply and technology base.

“Mubadala’s strategy is to make Abu Dhabi a global aerospace hub based around manufacturing, MRO, education and training,” said associate director Homaid Al Shemmari. “Our partnership with Boeing is directly aligned to this strategy and will integrate with existing plans, enabling us to develop mutually beneficial opportunities for both parties.

“Building Abu Dhabi’s aerospace industry directly supports our mandate to create a high-tech, knowledge intensive economy, and provide career opportunities for the current and future UAE workforce,” Mubadala’s Al Shemmari concluded.