Abu Dhabi, Mubadala Aerospace has signed an AED 4.9 million agreement with UAE University (UAEU) to train Emirati technicians to work at Strata’s aircraft composite production facility. 

The initiative, delivered by trainers from Lockheed Martin, builds on  existing programs, already resulted in the employment of over 95 Emirati nationals at Strata over the past two years.

In the presence of Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of UAEU, and Khaldoon Al Mubarak, managing director and CEO of Mubadala Development Company, the agreement was signed by Homaid Al Shemmari, executive director of Mubadala Aerospace business unit and chairman of Strata, and Dr. Ali Rashid Al Noaimi, Vice Chancellor of UAE University during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC). 

Sheikh Nahayan said, “As part of the UAE’s commitment to growth and diversification, UAE University is putting in place strong partnerships with local and international companies and institutions, to ensure that we best prepare our students to contribute to the nation’s ongoing success.

“By working with these esteemed partners, the university, which occupies a leading position among world universities in terms of its education and research capabilities, can provide high quality training programs across key industry sectors that meet the needs of infrastructure services, and the economic and social development in the UAE.   Our training program with Mubadala Aerospace is a perfect addition to our existing courses.”

Al Noaimi added, “The cooperative partnership between the University and Mubadala Aerospace will open up new opportunities for young people as they explore how they can play a role in the industry’s future, and we look forward to ongoing collaboration and success.  The university is committed to developing programs to the highest global standards and specifications, as we plan for the future requirements of the local and international labor market, and allow young people to fulfill their aspirations.”

Homaid Al Shemmari, Executive Director of Mubadala Aerospace , commented,"Mubadala Aerospace is proud to support the growth of UAE nationals through this new facility and program, allowing talented young students to fulfill their potential by becoming an integral part of the UAE’s growing global aerospace industry.  Aligning with UAE University and Lockheed Martin will ensure our students receive international standards of education and training, and most importantly are equipped with the skills to allow Strata to continue to deliver to the highest standards for its partners and customers across the globe.”

This program will introduce an additional 90 to 100 Emirati employees to Strata by early 2015. UAEU based in Al Ain was founded in 1976 by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan as the UAE's first national university.