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

Strata Manufacturing is an advanced aerospace composites company based in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, that designs and produces aerostructure components for the global aviation industry. A subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company, Strata was established in 2009 to develop the UAE’s capabilities in aerospace manufacturing, a high-value sector that requires precision engineering and advanced materials expertise. The company produces composite and metallic components including wing and empennage parts, engine nacelles, and structural panels for major aircraft programs.

UAE Context

Strata has secured long-term supply contracts with the world’s largest aerospace manufacturers, producing components for Boeing 777 and 787 programs, Airbus A350 and A380 aircraft, and Leonardo’s ATR regional aircraft. The company operates a purpose-built manufacturing facility in Nibras Al Ain Aerospace Park, equipped with clean rooms, autoclaves, and automated fiber placement systems. A distinguishing feature of Strata is its workforce composition: the company has achieved an exceptionally high Emiratisation rate, with UAE nationals comprising a significant majority of its production floor employees, many of them women. This demonstrates that Emirati talent can be developed for advanced manufacturing roles.

Key Data

  • Founded: 2009
  • Owner: Mubadala Investment Company
  • Key customers: Boeing, Airbus, Leonardo (ATR)
  • Products: Composite aerostructures, engine nacelles, structural panels
  • Emiratisation: Among the highest rates in UAE advanced manufacturing
  • Headquarters: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi

Significance for Vision 2031

Strata exemplifies Vision 2031’s aspiration to position the UAE in high-value global supply chains. The company demonstrates that the UAE can compete in precision manufacturing against established industrial nations, while simultaneously providing skilled employment opportunities for nationals. Strata’s success validates the investment thesis that sovereign wealth fund capital, deployed strategically, can build entirely new industrial capabilities in a single generation.

  • EDGE Group - UAE’s defense technology conglomerate with complementary aerospace capabilities
  • Sanad Group - MRO services provider in the UAE aerospace ecosystem
  • Emiratisation - Workforce strategy advanced by Strata’s national employment model