Boeing announced at the recent Dubai Airshow a Memorandum of Agreement with Dubai South, outlining the company’s intention to establish its Middle East headquarters in the city’s Aviation District.
The agreement was confirmed at a private signing ceremony attended by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation (the parent organization of Dubai South); Khalifa Al Zaffin, executive chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation; Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing president and CEO; Raymond Conner, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes; Marc Allen, president, Boeing International; and Bernard Dunn, president, Boeing Middle East, North Africa and Turkey.
Speaking at the ceremony, H.H. Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said: “I congratulate Boeing on its strategic decision to establish its regional headquarters at Dubai South - a city that embodies Dubai’s aerospace vision. I am confident that the new address will deliver a solid advantage to Boeing as it seeks to expand its footprint in Dubai and in the region.”
The agreement details a framework for Boeing’s operations to be housed at the recently rebranded Dubai South, previously known as Dubai World Central, which will include Boeing Middle East’s headquarters, a spare parts warehouse, a distribution facility and a maintenance training facility to service the region. The aim is to solidify plans in 2016 and commence operations by the end of 2017.
“Boeing is the world’s leading aerospace company, and to ensure our regional competitiveness, we have taken a strategic decision to establish our regional headquarters in what will become an unrivaled logistics and aviation hub,” said Muilenburg. “This agreement demonstrates Boeing’s commitment to our customers in the region and support for the Dubai government’s vision for Dubai South.”
In July 2016, Boeing will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Building on the company’s inspiring legacy, Boeing wants to build an even better future, globally and in the Middle East.
Dubai World Central, the emerging 145 square km city which will ultimately be home to one million people, was rebranded as Dubai South under a new law issued by the emirate’s Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum in August.