Today's Edition
TALAH TURK (DUBAI)
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH), part of Dubai South, stands as one of the emirate's main engines of growth - fuelling the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to position the city as the world's aviation capital.
Mohammad Al Falasi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the MBRAH, told Aletihad that their development is centred on three core pillars, which are private aviation, maintenance and repair operations (MRO), and education and training.
New Benchmark for VIP Air Travel
MBRAH has held the distinction of being the region's busiest VIP terminal for the past four years, Al Falasi said, noting that current figures reflect continued growth.
"We expect to close this year with 20,000 movements, a growth of more than 15% from last year," he said.
Al Falasi pointed out that this was made possible with five private aviation operators and a comprehensive ecosystem of aircraft management, insurance, and flight support companies.
Accelerated Growth in Global Aircraft Maintenance
MRO, another core focus for the hub, is a "highly promising sector" fuelled by strong global spending, Al Falasi said.
Middle East spending reached $12.5 billion this year, with over 70% concentrated in the UAE, particularly Dubai. This demand is driven by the large fleets of aircraft operated by national carriers, he added.
"Today, we are building an integrated infrastructure to attract foreign direct investment by offering all our solutions - airside and landside - for various sectors and activities," he said. "Today, on-ground investment exceeds Dh6 billion."
Offering insight on ongoing projects, he told Aletihad that Emirates Engineering is constructing facilities that will eventually span 1.1 sq. km., with 24 hangars at its full capacity, as well as workshops and airside/landside facilities valued at $4 billion. "Phase one includes nine hangars to be completed in Q1 2028."
He noted that flydubai's facility is also in the works and will be ready by the end of next year.
Brighter Future for Aviation through Education and Training
The third artery is education and training, considered a crucial arm due to the ever-growing demand for pilots, cabin crew, and technicians. Looking to expand education options, the hub has attracted the Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA). Additionally, it offers cabin crew training for private and commercial aviation, and continues to grow its simulator and below-the-wing training capabilities.
For those interested in pursuing careers in the aviation industry, Al Falasi said MBRAH will soon host universities and vocational institutions.
"Upskilling and maintaining certification are essential," he said. "Training is not only a revenue stream for us but a necessity for our aviation ecosystem."
Thinking Long-Term
The MBRAH is part of an integrated system driving Dubai's economy, Al Falasi said. "Today, our contribution represents 28% in the aviation sector. With our stakeholders, guided by the emirate's vision, we aim to raise this figure to 35% in the next seven years."
The transition from "classic to smart government" has made the emirate one of the world's easiest places to do business - a huge reason that enabled many startups to grow into global brand names, he added.
"We are proud to be part of this growth, whether it is regarding MRO, manufacturing, or services. Jetex, for example, is one of the success stories that started in Dubai and launched to the world, now reaching more than 55 countries," he said.
"In Dubai, we build long-term relationships and never think short-term," he said. "We build sectors and continue supporting them-and that is what makes us stand out."
Latest Milestones
Beyond its solid infrastructure, the MBRAH shifts to a new focus aimed at creating an airline manufacturing and supply chain zone, as announced by Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South.
The zone is designed to support regional aircraft manufacturing needs, bringing seat and cabin manufacturing and modification, as well as component manufacturing companies closer to operators, reducing costs and turnaround times while enhancing local capabilities, Al Falasi said.
Also at Dubai Airshow 2025, MBRAH officially inaugurated TIM Aerospace's new state-of-the-art hangar, making the emirate home to one of the largest independent MRO hangars in the region.
Built with the maximum permitted design dimensions, the facility's capacity fits up to 12 narrow-body aircraft or five wide-body aircraft of any type, except for the A-380.
