Boeing Works to Inspire UAE Youth to be the Future of Aviation

As part of continuing efforts to inspire Arab youth to become future leaders of the aviation industry, Boeing [NYSE: BA] sponsored the United States-based Museum of Flight at Think Science Fair 2015. Designed to educate 15 to 24 year-old students on the basics of flight, aviation and engineering, the Museum of Flight offered interactive educational programs during the three-day science exhibition in Dubai.

The Museum of Flight, an independent nonprofit and one of the largest air and space museums in the world, conducted sessions on airplane design, the effects of the atmosphere on people and aircraft, as well as robotics and engineering. The Museum of Flight’s innovative programs teach the principles of flight and aircraft design, explore the experience of being a pilot or an astronaut in simulated real-time scenarios and examine the challenges involved in launching, landing and exploring another world.

“As a company with a global footprint, Boeing has growing aspirations for increased skills and technology development around the world, and the UAE is no different. Boeing is committed to inspiring and educating young minds through community engagements and events such as Think Science Fair. We are confident that the Museum of Flight’s activities at Think Science Fair 2015 can inspire UAE youth to become leaders in the aviation industry,” said Jeffery Johnson, president of Boeing Middle East.

Boeing’s sponsorship of the Museum of Flight’s activities and participation at Think Science Fair 2015 reiterated the company’s commitment to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) outreach efforts that support the development of the regional and global aviation industry. Through efforts that engage and introduce UAE youth to the world of aviation and STEM-related skills, Boeing supports the increase of skills and technology development in the UAE.

Organized by The Emirates Foundation's and now in its third year, Think Science Fair was held from May 5-7 at the Dubai World Trade Center and has become one of the biggest events of its kind in the region. The fair attracted thousands of visitors this year, and encouraged cooperation and interaction between young scientists and the science and technology business sector.

Boeing’s commitment to cultivating long-term aviation and STEM-related skills is also reflected in its partnership with Mubadala Aerospace and Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC). Through the partnership, The Museum of Flight will conduct a one-day workshop for science teachers in Abu Dhabi designed to help them learn about aviation and introduce the principles of flight into their classrooms. The teachers will be provided with a variety of aviation education programs and opportunities to excite and engage students.

The partnership with the Mubadala Development Company reflects Boeing’s support of the region’s ambitions to promote STEM education requirements in the Middle East and underlines the desire not only to do more business in the region but to also bring enhanced capabilities into the company.

Through its Global Corporate Citizenship organization, Boeing focuses on education and economic development in the Middle East by supporting organizations that provide high-quality programs and opportunities for education professionals and youth. Boeing has worked with many local organizations to advance education, entrepreneurship and job placement, such as PlaNet Finance, Emirates Foundation, and INJAZ. Additionally, in December 2013, Boeing launched its first UAE internship.  The International Business Intern program has already enlisted 15 students from the UAE and the region since its establishment to go to the Boeing Commercial Airplanes plant in Renton, Washington in the United States.