Exploring the Boundless Opportunities and Growth Trajectory of Dubai’s Aerospace Hub

By:Poonam Chawla

Aviation Guide explores the thriving hub of aviation excellence at Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH), nestled within the vibrant landscape of Dubai South.

In this exclusive interview, Tahnoon Saif, the dynamic CEO of MBRAH, unravels the secrets behind the phenomenal rise in private jet movements at Dubai South. Furthermore, he illuminates the crucial contributions of MBRAH’s Aerospace Supply Chain in propelling the growth and economic vitality of Dubai’s aviation sector.

Join us as we delve into the strategic insights and innovative strategies that are shaping the success story of Dubai’s Aerospace Hub, as shared by its visionary leader.

Can you provide more insight into the factors driving the significant growth in private jet movements at Dubai South?

Private jet movements at Dubai South have been increasing since the onset of the pandemic due to several factors. The most important is our wise leadership’s numerous government initiatives, which have increased business activities, a record number of visitors, and an ever-bustling tourism sector. At the VIP Terminal in the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub, we offer various customisable services to private jet owners, from a dedicated fuel farm with a 20-minute response time to aircraft maintenance services and top catering options. This provides a premium experience for travellers, and in fact, we recorded 16,657 movements in 2023, marking the highest-ever movements achieved in Dubai.

How does hosting events like the Dubai Airshow and COP28 contribute to the increased private jet movements at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH)?

Dubai has been synonymous with international exhibitions, such as the Expo 2020 Dubai, Dubai Airshow and COP28. Due to the top-notch services and convenience that we offer to private jet owners, any global events or entertainment and leisure ones reflect positively on movements, especially as Dubai consistently ranks amongst the top destinations for doing business or visiting. At Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub, we are aligned with the government’s vision to cement Dubai’s position as the aviation capital of the world.

What specific strategies or initiatives has MBRAH implemented to attract new partners and expand its facilities for MRO services?

MBRAH presents various airside and landside solutions, ranging from plots with ready infrastructure, large industrial units, and workshops to built-to-suit facility developments. Its facilities are designed to accommodate engine shops, component and landing gear MROs, and workshops for other aerospace-related industries. Airside taxiways and aprons are in place to accommodate wide-body and narrow-body aircraft, and maintenance centres serve all aircraft types.

We take pride in attracting and hosting the top aviation players from across the globe who can see the added value of setting up their facilities to benefit from our cutting-edge infrastructure and world-class facilities, all within Dubai’s strategic embrace of the sector’s global growth.

Additionally, following the great demand for MRO services after the near recovery of the aviation sector, especially in the region, we expanded our existing facilities. We announced new phases to accommodate this demand. Our role has always been to cater to the company’s needs, and our infrastructure is continually expanding to welcome companies who wish to set up their facilities at MBRAH.

 How does the Aerospace Supply Chain at MBRAH contribute to the overall growth and economic impact of the aviation sector in Dubai?

At MBRAH, we provide our existing and potential clients with superior products to fulfil their needs, long-term business aspirations and sustainability goals. Our Aerospace Supply Chain facilities provide companies with different incentives, such as 100% foreign ownership, corporate tax exemptions, superior infrastructure, flexible warehouses, office and commercial space options, and dedicated airside-landside access and connectivity.

Additionally, Dubai has proven to be a global hub for companies setting up their facilities to support their expansion endeavours to cater to the broader region. Therefore, through our different options that cater to businesses of all sizes, we are key contributors to the sector’s growth and fall within our mandate to establish Dubai as a global aviation hub.

 What are the key factors driving the anticipated increase in MRO trade?

Several factors contribute to the expected growth of MRO trade in the future. This includes large orders from major airlines in the region and Dubai’s strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa, which makes it ideal for airlines to establish MRO facilities due to its proximity to major air routes, consequently reducing transportation costs for aircraft maintenance. Moreover, investments in developing aviation infrastructure, including airports and MRO facilities, create further opportunities for local and international MRO providers to expand their operations. Finally, as the aviation sector is witnessing technological advancements, specialised maintenance expertise is needed, so more investment is being made to meet the industry’s needs. At MBRAH, we know of this growth and have already started expanding our MRO facilities to accommodate this demand and growth.

What specific factors led OEMServices to choose MBRAH in Dubai South as the location for its new regional support centre?

Our unique value proposition is a key factor that attracts the top companies. MBR Aerospace Hub is a specialized freezone that serves the aviation sector, and we developed solutions that aerospace players can leverage on which creates opportunities for them. OEMServices will establish its new regional support centre to provide its services to regional customers, offering them a portfolio of key services, from supply chain, logistics, and account management to 24/7 technical support. The company will benefit from the advanced services and solutions that MBRAH provides as part of its overall ecosystem and its global significance as a premier aerospace hub.