Boeing selects Dubai for Middle East HQ

Boeing has revealed plans to establish its Middle East headquarters in Dubai, which is fast becoming the world’s leading aviation hub.

The aircraft manufacturing giant signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Dubai South, the emirate’s aviation district formerly known as Dubai World Central (DWC), at this week’s Dubai Airshow (November 8-12).

The agreement, which outlines the company’s intention to base itself in this recently rebranded area of the city, was confirmed at a private signing ceremony attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation (the parent organisation 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.

“I congratulate Boeing on its strategic decision to establish its regional headquarters at Dubai South – a city that embodies Dubai’s aerospace vision,” said Sheikh Ahmed at the ceremony.

“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 Dubai South, 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 unrivalled 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.”