Markab Capital, a Dubai-based investment firm, has signed an agreement with Italian firm Super Jet International for civil aircraft assembly, installation, and production in the UAE.

Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Chairman and CEO of Markab Capital Company, stated that a $180 million investment has been committed to the construction of a "first-of-its-kind" factory in the Arab world. "In the first production phase, the facility can produce 10 to 15 aircraft annually," he added. "An increase in production capacity will be based on the requests received.

“The facility will be a qualitative addition to the aviation industry sector in the country.”

The location of the new facility has not been revealed. According to Al Qubaisi, the UAE has successfully manufactured aircraft components and is entering a new era in aircraft assembly, installation, and manufacturing. Markab Capital, according to Al Qubaisi, will also train and develop UAE nationals in the civil aviation industry as part of its strategy.

Strata and Sanad are two aircraft component manufacturing hubs in the UAE. Strata, based in Al Ain, manufactures aircraft components and has billion-dollar contracts with Boeing, Airbus, Leonardo in Italy, and Pilatus Aircraft in Switzerland.