Abu Dhabi, UAE – 11 November 2025, Global Air Navigation Services (GANS) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic collaboration aimed at shaping the future of advanced air mobility (AAM) and accelerating airspace modernization in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Signed during DRIFTx 2025, the partnership sets a framework for cooperation to support the safe, efficient, and innovative integration of next-generation airspace users, including drones and electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs). The initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision for a future-ready, smart, and sustainable aviation ecosystem and reinforces the Emirate’s commitment to enabling emerging technologies and new mobility models.
Under the MoU, GANS and ADIO will collaborate on key workstreams that include the future design and management of airspace, advancing capabilities for integrating new and emerging airspace users, and exploring mutually beneficial initiatives that support the evolution of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) within Abu Dhabi. The shared objective is to position the Emirate as a regional and global leader in next-generation air mobility and aviation technologies.
The partnership will also focus on bringing together public and private sector stakeholders to build an enabling environment that supports innovation, regulation, and safe deployment of autonomous and smart air mobility solutions.
His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), said: “Abu Dhabi is building the foundations of a new era of mobility. Our partnership with GANS reflects our clear commitment to developing an environment that integrates the next generation of airspace users, such as drones and eVTOLs, safely and sustainably. By advancing regulatory readiness and technical capabilities, we are positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in the intelligent management of increasingly complex skies, while supporting an ecosystem where technology, regulation, and industry move forward in tandem.”
Eisa Alshamsi, Managing Director of Global Air Navigation Services – GANS, said: “This partnership with ADIO marks a significant milestone in shaping the UAE’s advanced air mobility future. By combining GANS’ operational expertise with ADIO’s investment leadership, we are establishing a collaborative platform to accelerate airspace modernization and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub. Together, we will support the development of a safe, efficient, and forward-looking air mobility ecosystem that sets new standards for the region and beyond.”
This partnership supports Abu Dhabi’s broader efforts to cultivate a world-class innovation and investment ecosystem, in line with national ambitions to advance digital infrastructure, sustainable mobility, and aerospace excellence.
Global Air Navigation Services (GANS) is the UAE’s leading provider of air navigation and air traffic management services, delivering safe and efficient operations across the nation’s airspace. With a commitment to operational excellence, safety, and innovation, GANS plays a critical role in enabling the UAE’s aviation ecosystem and the advancement of future-focused air mobility solutions.
About the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO):
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is the government vehicle responsible for accelerating Abu Dhabi’s growth and enabling the emirate’s economic transformation. Through comprehensive support services, ADIO enables both local and foreign investors to shape industries of the future set to transform livability, technology, resources, and value-added services. Initiatives focused on regional tourism and retail development and public-private partnerships ensure that community well-being is at the center of Abu Dhabi’s economic transformation. With a robust network of investors, strong collaboration with key stakeholders, and a global presence, ADIO is committed to empowering those who invest with Abu Dhabi to make a lasting global impact.
Abu Dhabi is building the foundations of a new era of mobility. Our partnership with GANS reflects our clear commitment to developing an environment that integrates the next generation of airspace users, such as drones and eVTOLs, safely and sustainably. By advancing regulatory readiness and technical capabilities, we are positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in the intelligent management of increasingly complex skies, while supporting an ecosystem where technology, regulation, and industry move forward in tandem.
H.E. Badr Al-Olama
Director General, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)
This partnership with ADIO marks a significant milestone in shaping the UAE's advanced air mobility future. By combining GANS' operational expertise with ADIO's investment leadership, we are establishing a collaborative platform to accelerate airspace modernization and strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a global aviation hub. Together, we will support the development of a safe, efficient, and forward-looking air mobility ecosystem that sets new standards for the region and beyond.
Eisa Alshamsi
Managing Director, Global Air Navigation Services (GANS)
GANS have welcomed the signing of the strategic training agreement with GCAA.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has signed a contract with Global Air Navigation Services (GANS) for the provision of training services for Air Traffic Controllers. The contract will see GANS provide training services to GCAA ab-initio air traffic controllers at its state-of-the-art Training Centre in Al Ain.
HE. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority stated: “We are proud to establish this partnership with GANS to advance the training and development of our air traffic controllers. This agreement highlights our dedication to upholding the highest standards of safety and efficiency within our airspace. By investing in world-class training, we are ensuring that our controllers are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage the complexities of modern air traffic management.”
Ahmed Al Jallaf, Assistant Director General of Air Navigation Services at the GCAA said: “This agreement marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to elevate the quality of air traffic services in the UAE. The customized training programs provided by GANS will not only strengthen our operational capabilities but also support our strategic vision of being a global leader in aviation safety and innovation. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this collaboration will have on our air navigation services.”
Yahya Al Hammadi, CEO of Global Air Navigation Services, said: “We are delighted to have signed this strategic contract, we see this contract as testament to the strength of the relationship we have established with the GCAA. We look forward to delivering this training contract in accordance with GCAA requirements and working together to improve the global Aviation industry through our many collaboration initiatives. I believe the partnership with the GCAA will create a new and effective model of collaboration in our industry”.
GANS has welcomed the signing of the strategic collaboration agreement with ATNS.Sandton, South Africa – September 16, 2024 – Air Traffic and Navigation Services SOC Limited (ATNS) and Global Air Navigation Services (GANS) are pleased to announce the signing of a strategic agreement to collaborate in various areas of Air Traffic Management (ATM). The agreement was signed on the sidelines of this year’s Aviation Africa Summit & Exhibition in Sandton, South Africa.
The collaboration between ATNS and GANS will focus on the following: Talent Attraction and Retention; Training Services; Technology and Innovation; Lesson Learning and Collaboration on Commercial Opportunities.
This partnership marks a significant milestone for both companies as they leverage their combined expertise and resources to advance the field of Air Traffic Management. The agreement underscores their commitment to excellence, innovation, and the continuous improvement of ATM services. With passenger volumes projected to soar from 2.4 billion today to 12.4 billion by 2050, collaboration is the key to unlocking capacity and growth which will deliver a safe, efficient and sustainable aviation industry.
“We are excited to partner with GANS to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in Air Traffic Management,” said Nozipho Mdawe, CEO of ATNS. “This collaboration will enable us to drive operational excellence, technological innovation, and enhance our overall service offerings.”
“ATNS shares our vision for the future of Air Traffic Management and together, we will achieve great things,” said Yahya Al Hammadi, CEO of GANS. “Our combined efforts will lead to significant advancements in the industry and create new commercial opportunities for both companies.”
The Aviation Africa Summit & Exhibition provides an ideal platform for this announcement, bringing together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to discuss the latest trends and developments in aviation. The collaboration between ATNS and GANS is a testament to their dedication to shaping the sustainable future of the aviation industry.
On Thursday 27 September 2018, GAL ANS Training Center and Training Manager Mr. Dennis Chavez, hosted a ceremony for a new batch of ICAO 052 and ICAO 054 students. The ceremony was attended by representatives of higher management from GAL ANS Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Polytechnic, Training Center teaching staff and graduate students.
Mr. Mohammed Hussain Al Dhaheri, GAL ANS Director Joint Aviation Command, delivered a speech in which he highlighted the many achievements of GAL ANS and asked the graduates to take on their responsibilities in building and developing the United Arab Emirates, with commitment and diligence.
Mr. Dennis Chavez reminded the graduates that their graduation was but the beginning of their long, challenging and exciting journey as air traffic controllers – one where they will never stop learning.
“Aviation is dynamic – a constantly growing and changing environment – and we must adjust, grow and adapt to it to ensure that Safety and Standardization always move in the correct direction. The day you stop learning is the day you surrender your headset”.
Mr. Mohammed Hussain followed suit by encouraging the graduates to work hard and shared a brief history of his life and achievements in air traffic control.
Global Air Navigation Services is awarded with high In-Country Value (ICV) Score, that reflects our contribution to the UAE Economy.