February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

Sanad Group is a globally integrated aerospace services company based in Abu Dhabi that provides engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services as well as aircraft engine leasing solutions. A subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company, Sanad was established to build the UAE’s position in the high-value aerospace aftermarket. The group operates through two primary business lines: Sanad Aerotech, which performs engine MRO services, and Sanad Capital, which provides engine leasing and asset management to airlines and operators worldwide.

UAE Context

Sanad Aerotech operates a state-of-the-art MRO facility in Abu Dhabi capable of servicing a wide range of commercial and military aircraft engines, including the GE90, CF6, CFM56, and GP7200 powerplants. The company has built long-term partnerships with original equipment manufacturers including GE Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, and Pratt & Whitney. Sanad Capital manages a portfolio of leased engines and provides structured financing solutions that help airlines manage their fleet assets more efficiently. Together, these businesses position Abu Dhabi as a regional hub for aerospace technical services, complementing the manufacturing capabilities of Strata and the operational scale of Etihad Airways.

Key Data

  • Founded: 2010
  • Owner: Mubadala Investment Company
  • Business lines: Sanad Aerotech (MRO), Sanad Capital (engine leasing)
  • Engine types serviced: GE90, CF6, CFM56, GP7200, and others
  • OEM partnerships: GE Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney
  • Headquarters: Abu Dhabi

Significance for Vision 2031

Sanad Group builds depth in the UAE’s aerospace ecosystem beyond airline operations and aircraft manufacturing. By developing world-class MRO capabilities, the UAE captures a larger share of the aerospace value chain and creates highly skilled technical employment opportunities. Sanad’s engine leasing business generates financial returns from aviation assets without direct operational risk, diversifying Abu Dhabi’s revenue streams in line with Vision 2031’s economic sustainability objectives.

  • Strata Manufacturing - Aerospace composites manufacturer in the UAE’s aviation ecosystem
  • EDGE Group - Defense conglomerate with complementary aerospace capabilities
  • Emiratisation - Workforce strategy supported by Sanad’s technical training programs