Rashid Al Manai

Rashid Mattar Al Manai is the Chief Executive Officer of LODD Autonomous, an Abu Dhabi-based company pioneering advanced air mobility and autonomous logistics. Under his leadership, LODD has developed the Hili Hybrid VTOL cargo aircraft, the first of its kind to be fully engineered and manufactured in the UAE.

With over 25 years of experience in the aerospace industry, Al Manai has built a distinguished career spanning engineering, operations, and executive leadership. He began his career as a Lead Engineer on the F-16 Block 60 programme, where he directed aerodynamics and structural design.

He was also part of the core team that established ADASI, subsequently serving as its Chief Operating Officer (COO), where he led the development of its commercial operations. He later served as a Board Member and Chairman of the Executive Committee at Tawazun Dynamics, contributing to the company's growth in aerial defence systems.

Al Manai holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arizona; a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington; and a Master of Engineering Management from the University of Wollongong in the UAE.

His vision combines technological innovation, operational excellence, and national capability development, positioning LODD Autonomous and the UAE at the forefront of the global autonomous logistics industry.