Mubadala’s Sanad, Pratt & Whitney partner to open MRO facility in Al Ain

Abu Dhabi: Tawazun Council - an independent government entity that works closely with the Ministry of Defense and security agencies in the UAE, and Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala are partnering to open a ‘cutting-edge’ aircraft engine Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Al Ain.

Announced at IDEX 2025, the project has been developed by Mubadala-owned aerospace engineering and leasing solutions leader Sanad in collaboration with American aircraft engine manufacturers Pratt & Whitney.

Dr Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of Tawazun Council, said, “Tawazun Council is committed to a robust national vision for industrial growth, with a strategic emphasis on developing the UAE’s sovereign capabilities in the aerospace sector. This partnership with Mubadala and Pratt & Whitney is a key element of this strategy, fostering a thriving aerospace industry and reinforcing UAE’s position as a global leader in aerospace.”

The companies said in a joint statement that “the state-of-the-art Al Ain facility will provide comprehensive MRO services and empower a new generation of Emirati talent.”

Dr Bakheet Al Katheeri, CEO of Mubadala’s UAE Investments Platform, said, “We are building national champions in the aerospace sector, fostering a vibrant aerospace ecosystem, and partnering with world-class entities like Pratt & Whitney to accelerate the transformation of Abu Dhabi’s economy.”

The UAE is positioning itself as a key player in the global MRO industry, leveraging its booming aviation sector. With major players like Emirates Engineering, Etihad Engineering, and Sanad leading the charge, the country aims to expand its MRO capabilities beyond routine aircraft maintenance to advanced services, including component repairs, engine overhauls, and aircraft modifications.

Investments in AI-driven predictive maintenance, 3D printing for spare parts, and sustainable aviation solutions are shaping UAE’s MRO future.

Ismail Ali Abdulla, Executive Director of UAE Clusters at Mubadala’s UAE Investments Platform, said, “This MRO partnership between Mubadala, Tawazun, and Pratt and Whitney is a significant step forward in the UAE’s economic transformation.” He added, “It directly contributes to our objective of creating a knowledge-based, innovative, and diversified economy. This alliance strengthens the UAE’s aerospace industry, demonstrating how strategic investments drive growth and create high-quality jobs for Emirati talent.”