Rolls-Royce confirmed at the Dubai Air Show today that it has entered into a Strategic Framework Agreement with Mubadala Aerospace, Communications Technology and Defense Services (ACTDS) to establish the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as a key member of Rolls-Royce's global network for maintenance and manufacturing activities.

As part of the agreement, Rolls-Royce is supporting Mubadala to become established as an approved Trent XWB engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider within its global Engine MRO network and the first such facility in the Middle East region. The region is earmarked to have one of the highest concentrations of Trent XWB engines in the world in the coming decade.

In addition, Rolls-Royce has committed to helping establish, and become a founding member of, the first advanced manufacturing research centre in the region to support Mubadala's goal to become a Tier 1 aerospace industry supplier.

Rolls-Royce also plans to source engine components valued at up to $500 million over a ten year period from Mubadala once it has a manufacturing capability.

Tony Wood, President -- Aerospace, Rolls-Royce plc, said: "We are delighted to work with Mubadala to establish Abu Dhabi as a key aerospace hub for the support of Trent XWB engine maintenance, repair and overhaul and for component manufacturing. This is an exciting opportunity which will significantly extend both our aerospace supply chain and aero engine support capabilities in the region.