Leadership Team
Ismail Ali Abdulla
Executive Director of UAE Clusters - UAE Investment Platform Mubadala Investments Company
Ismail Ali Abdulla serves as the Executive Director of the UAE Clusters unit within Mubadala’s UAE Investments platform and is the Managing Director of Strata. In this capacity, he has strategic oversight of a diverse portfolio of assets across key national sectors including technology, aerospace, Artificial Intelligence and healthcare. He plays a central role in driving investments that accelerate the UAE’s economic transformation, develop globally competitive national champions, and cultivate dynamic industrial and commercial clusters in partnership with world-class global entities.
In addition to leading the UAE Clusters unit, Ismail oversees Strata’s operations and long-term strategy. He is responsible for strengthening the company’s global competitiveness in the aerospace sector while advancing the UAE’s position as a leading international hub for advanced manufacturing. Under his leadership, Strata has diversified into next-generation industries including advanced materials, automation and digital solutions.
Ismail has been instrumental in shaping the development of the UAE’s aerospace ecosystem. He played a foundational role in the creation of Strata, initially serving as the company’s asset manager from 2009 before advancing to CEO and later Managing Director. He also led the development of the Nibras Al Ain Aerospace Park, a multifaceted industrial zone designed to support the long-term growth of a sustainable aerospace industry in Abu Dhabi.
Since joining Mubadala in 2008, Ismail has contributed to numerous aerospace and engineering initiatives across the organization. He has held several roles within the Aerospace, Renewables, and ICT (AR&I) platform’s business development team, guiding major projects from early concept through execution and delivery.
Ismail holds a Master’s Degree in Project Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Information and Communication Technology from Queen Mary University of London.
Board Positions
Ismail is Chairman of Strata-Syensqo Advanced Materials Joint Venture. He also serves as a Board Member of, Mubadala Bio Limited, Space42 PLC, Strata Manufacturing PJSC, Paragraph and Oumolat Security Printing.
