Abu Dhabi, May 19, 2025 – Tawazun Council and Airbus announced, during the fourth edition of “Make it in the Emirates 2025,” the strengthening of their strategic partnership through the launch of a national industrial capability development program in the aerospace sector. The initiative aims to manufacture and supply Cargo Compartment Removable Tanks (CCRT) in collaboration with EPI, a subsidiary of EDGE Group.
With the presence of the secretary general of Tawazun Council, H.E. Dr, Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, the agreement was signed by Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, CEO of Operations at Tawazun Council, and Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus for Africa and the Middle East, in the presence of representatives from both sides.
The program aligns with the UAE’s vision to enhance its industrial footprint within global aerospace and defence supply chains by developing and producing mobile, multi-role fuel tanks for the cargo compartment. These tanks will support aerial refuelling, ground support, and extended-range missions with high efficiency.
The initiative falls under the UAE’s Tawazun Economic Program, one of Tawazun Council’s key strategic tools aimed at boosting local content and advancing technology transfer in the aviation and defence sectors. As part of this effort, the Council is supporting the exclusive serial production of this type of removable fuel tank over the next five-year period.
The project involves Airbus Defence and Space sourcing from EPI, part of EDGE, to manufacture and assemble aerostructures, sub-assemblies, as well as to certify special production processes. Once fully developed, EPI will serve as the sole source supplier for these components, reinforcing the UAE’s growing role as a key industrial partner in the aerospace and defence sectors.
Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, CEO of Operations at Tawazun Council, said “This project represents one phase of our broader roadmap with Airbus, streamlining the way for continuous collaborations and strategic advancements. Our partnership with Airbus reflects Tawazun Council’s commitment to empowering national industries and strengthening their presence within global supply chains. This project supports the transfer of knowledge and technology to the UAE, while enabling the development of high-tech products that are manufactured by Emirati talent and compete internationally.”
Gabriel Semelas, President, Airbus Africa and Middle East said: “We share Tawazun Council’s commitment to advance the UAE’s aerospace industry through innovation, local upskilling, and job creation. The establishment of exclusive CCRT production in the UAE marks a key step in expanding EDGE Precision Industries (EPI) into defense manufacturing. We are proud to support EPI’s growth in complex aerostructure assemblies and global exports—strengthening the UAE’s footprint in the aerospace and defense sectors.”
With nearly two decades of partnership in the UAE, Airbus has played a steady role in supporting the country’s industrial ambitions. The collaboration has contributed to the growth of local manufacturing capabilities, talent development, and the gradual transfer of knowledge and technology.
