ABU DHABI ø Boeing has offered to transfer aircraft production lines to the United Arab Emirates, in an effort to increase its Gulf market.

Boeing plans to expand partnerships with leading UAE aerospace firms over the next year, executives said. The local companies would help in the production and assembly of civilian and military aircraft ordered from Boeing by Gulf Cooperation Council states, Middle East Newsline reported.

"The Middle East is one of the fastest growing regions in global aviation," Boeing chief executive officer Harry Stonecipher told a conference in Dubai in September. "Strong growth is taking place here with hectic activities, especially in Dubai which is very vibrant."

Executives said Boeing would expand its partnerships with both UAE and Saudi contractors. They would include the Abu Dhabi-based Gulf Aircraft Maintenance Co, or Gamco, and the Riyad-based Al Salam Aircraft Maintenance.

Gamco was expected to play a major role in the maintenance and overhaul of the UAE's new F-16E/F fleet. Al Salam has been involved in the maintenance of the U.S.-origin F-15s and the British-origin Tornado fighter-jets.

Boeing has been discussing new military sales with a range of GCC states. The company has been negotiating the sale of advanced model F/A-18 aircraft to Kuwait as well as additional F-15Es to Saudi Arabia.

Boeing also plans to expand cooperation with Emirates, the UAE's airlines. Executives said Emirates's engineering division would help overhaul and maintain Boeing civilian jets sold in the Gulf region. The company plans to deliver more than 20 aircraft to such UAE customers as Emirates and Etihad Airways.

Last month, Boeing sponsored a conference in Dubai on the future of the global aviation industry. The conference was held under the patronage of UAE Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.