Dubai South unveils RH Aero Systems' 2,800 sqm aviation support facility at Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub. Centre to provide GSE services, tooling support for Middle East, Africa, and India.
Dubai, UAE — Dubai South has taken a significant step toward reinforcing its position as a major global aviation services hub with the opening of a new aviation support facility at the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) . The centre, intended to help airlines and maintenance operations repair and service aircraft equipment faster and more efficiently, marks another milestone in the emirate's expanding aerospace infrastructure.
The new facility, operated by RH Aero Systems—a global provider of aviation support equipment (GSE) and engine/airframe tooling—was formally inaugurated on Wednesday. At around 2,800 square metres, the centre will serve as a regional hub for ground support and tooling services spanning the Middle East, Africa and India, offering quicker turnaround times and broader on-site capabilities to carriers and aviation partners.
Located at Dubai South's free-zone aerospace platform, MBRAH continues to attract major international players in aviation services. RH Aero's new service centre joins a growing network of facilities that include maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) providers, training campuses and supply chain partners. The space is divided into four purpose-built bays, each about 700 square metres, and has been designed with future expansion in mind as demand for aviation services continues to rise.
The strategic location within MBRAH offers significant advantages for aviation companies. Being situated near Al Maktoum International Airport, which is poised to become one of the world's largest aviation hubs, provides unparalleled access to a rapidly growing market. The free-zone status also offers regulatory and customs benefits that streamline operations for international firms.
RH Aero, which maintains dual global headquarters in Mason, Ohio, USA, and Biberach, Germany, was formed from the combination of the established aerospace companies Rhinestahl and HYDRO Systems, and already operates more than two dozen service centres worldwide. The Dubai South facility expands that network and brings critical support closer to a rapidly growing group of carriers and operators based in the region.
The new centre's services go beyond basic tooling storage—it has been equipped to handle a range of aircraft support activities that are integral to keeping fleets operating safely and on schedule. Among its capabilities are inspection, testing and calibration of aviation ground support equipment and engine or airframe tooling, ensuring that the tools used by maintenance crews meet precise specifications and safety standards.
The facility also performs maintenance, repair and overhaul operations on specialised equipment used in aircraft servicing, extending the life of critical tools and reducing the need for replacement. Proof-load testing, upgrades and modification programmes are available to ensure compliance with evolving safety standards and manufacturer requirements.
Local technical support and on-site servicing, including urgent Aircraft on Ground (AOG) assistance when aircraft require immediate intervention, represent a critical capability. When a plane is grounded with technical issues, every hour counts. Having tooling support available locally rather than requiring shipment from Europe or America can reduce downtime dramatically.
These capabilities are expected to reduce downtime for airlines and maintenance organisations by providing rapid, certified tooling support closer to where aircraft operate and are serviced. Such infrastructure is essential for regions with high volumes of international flights and growing airline networks.
At the launch event, Tahnoon Saif, CEO of MBRAH, highlighted the importance of such infrastructure in supporting the broader aviation ecosystem at Dubai South. He noted that the expansion of internationally recognised firms like RH Aero within the hub reflects confidence in the integrated aerospace services platform, and contributes directly to Dubai's mandate of strengthening and empowering the aviation industry.
The presence of established global players validates MBRAH's approach to building an integrated aerospace ecosystem. Each new facility adds capability and attracts further investment, creating a virtuous cycle of growth that benefits all participants.
Martin Dürr, Executive Vice President for the Europe, Middle East, Africa and India (EMEAI) region at RH Aero, emphasised the centre's role in enhancing service delivery. "This facility will allow us to deliver faster turnaround times, OEM-aligned tooling and ground support equipment service solutions, and enhanced service proximity to our partners across the Middle East, Africa and India," he said, underscoring RH Aero's commitment to supporting airlines, MROs and aviation partners in the region.
The aviation support centre is part of a broader strategy by Dubai South and MBRAH to build a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem that integrates airlines, support services, maintenance organisations, training providers and logistics partners. The hub's free-zone status and world-class connectivity make it an attractive destination for global aviation firms seeking to expand into the Middle East and beyond.
In recent years, Dubai South has attracted multiple aviation and aerospace investments, including projects related to wide-body aircraft cabin retrofit facilities, line maintenance expansions and specialist MRO hangars. These developments align with the UAE's ambition to strengthen its aviation infrastructure and support the future growth of Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai South—which is expected to become a primary aviation hub on completion.
The airport's eventual capacity is planned to exceed that of Dubai International, making it one of the largest aviation facilities in the world. The development of support infrastructure like the RH Aero centre ensures that when the airport expands, the ecosystem of services required to support its operations will already be in place.
The Middle East is home to some of the world's fastest-growing airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and flydubai, all of which operate extensive fleets requiring regular maintenance and support. The region also serves as a major transit hub for global air travel, with millions of passengers passing through its airports annually.
Having advanced tooling and ground support capabilities locally addresses a critical need. Previously, airlines and MRO providers in the region might have had to wait for specialised equipment or calibration services from Europe or America, introducing delays into maintenance schedules. With the new centre, many of these services are available on-site, reducing turnaround times and increasing operational efficiency.
The service area spanning the Middle East, Africa, and India covers some of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world. As these regions continue to develop their air travel infrastructure, demand for maintenance and support services will only increase.
The facility has been designed with expansion in mind. The four bays, each 700 square metres, provide ample space for current operations, but the layout allows for additional capacity as demand grows. RH Aero's global network of more than two dozen centres provides a template for how the Dubai facility might evolve, adding capabilities and services over time.
Potential future additions could include expanded calibration laboratories, additional testing equipment, or even on-site manufacturing of certain tooling components. The proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport also opens possibilities for direct integration with airline operations.
MBRAH's development reflects Dubai's long-term vision for its aviation sector. Rather than simply serving as a passenger hub, the emirate aims to become a comprehensive aerospace centre, offering everything from pilot training to heavy maintenance, from component manufacturing to research and development.
Each new facility adds to the ecosystem's depth. Training organisations produce skilled workers. MRO providers keep aircraft flying. Support services like RH Aero ensure that the entire system operates smoothly. Together, they create a self-reinforcing cluster that attracts further investment and talent.
Also Read: Alex Eala Pulls Off Major Upset to Reach Round of 16 in Dubai
The opening of RH Aero Systems' aviation support centre at Dubai South represents more than just a new facility—it is a strategic investment in the future of regional aviation. By bringing critical tooling and ground support capabilities closer to the airlines and MRO providers that need them, the centre will help reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and support the continued growth of air travel in the Middle East, Africa, and India.
For Dubai, the centre adds another element to its already impressive aerospace ecosystem. For RH Aero, it provides a strategic foothold in one of the world's most dynamic aviation markets. For airlines and maintenance providers, it means faster, more reliable access to the tools they need to keep aircraft flying safely and on schedule.
As Al Maktoum International Airport continues its development and regional air traffic grows, facilities like this will become increasingly essential. Dubai South is building not just for today's needs but for tomorrow's demands, ensuring that when the aviation industry expands, the infrastructure to support it is already in place.
A new centre. Expanded capabilities. Stronger aviation. Dubai South reaches higher.
Hi, I’m Dillan Hand, Your Blogging Journey Guide 🖋️. Writing, one blog post at a time, to inspire, inform, and ignite your curiosity. Join me as we explore the world through words and embark on a limitless adventure of knowledge and creativity. Let’s bring your thoughts to life on these digital pages. 🌟 #BloggingAdventures
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
