The Global Aerospace Summit (GAS) 2024 has kicked off in Abu Dhabi, focusing on shaping the future of the aerospace, aviation, and defense sectors.
The seventh edition brings together industry leaders to explore sustainability, innovation, and talent development. Dr. Mohamed Alahbabi, Senior Advisor and Space Lead at EDGE Group, alongside other global leaders, shed light on strategic innovation, smart manufacturing, and the role of international partnerships in strengthening the UAE’s defense capabilities during the first panel discussion on ‘Developing the nation’s defense industry system’.
Dr. Mohamed Alahbabi Senior Advisor & Space Lead – EDGE Group
“The UAE continues to invest heavily in these sectors. The growth trajectory will continue with more satellites entering orbit, new companies being established, and greater investments in human capital. Space is fundamental to the advancement of science, innovation, and defense. We take pride in the UAE’s unparalleled achievements in these industries.”
A keynote speech by Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), highlighted a significant milestone for the UAE’s space sector. The UAE National Space Programme’s achievements were celebrated, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi’s first space mission.
Saudi Arabia’s participation in the event shed light on the Kingdom’s aviation goals. Ali Rajab, Executive Vice President of GACA and Board Member of the Saudi Air Connectivity Programme, underscored the key updates on Saudi air connectivity and its pivotal role in enhancing the country’s strategic goals.
In the panel titled ‘Offering insights into the future of the Saudi Arabian Aviation sector’, leaders such as Osamah Alnuasier, SVP of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Riyadh Air, and Grainne van den Berg, Head of Airline Marketing Middle East and North Africa at Airbus, emphasized the Kingdom’s sustainable aircraft innovations and its commitment to achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Josef Mouris, CEO of Electron Aerospace, stated that, “Adapting our strategic thinking is paramount as we move forward. The industry will see more small aircraft and retrofitted planes enter the market, designed to meet existing regulatory and sustainability standards.”
During the panel titled ‘What is next for R&D in Aerospace?’, Sharief Fahmy, Executive Director at KAMAN, commented that, “There’s no better environment than the ecosystem that’s been established here in the Middle East, and more specifically, in UAE and Abu Dhabi. I’ve been part of the community for 16 years now, and to see how fast we’ve come along in a very short period of time, it all has to do with the fact that you are in an environment that really promotes talent and development.”
In a special interview on stage, Antonoaldo Neves, Group CEO of Etihad Airways, said that, “Etihad remains at the forefront of the UAE’s aviation sector, working towards expanding both our network and our workforce. We are committed to building long-term careers for Emiratis, from cadet pilots to senior executives, and continuing our reputation for exceptional service.”
