Latest news with #TawazunCouncil
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Deal inked to set up air surveillance radar production facility in UAE
UAE - Tawazun Council and Thales have signed a cooperation agreement to locally produce advanced Ground Master series air surveillance radars. This agreement supports the UAE's vision to boost local manufacturing and develop national defence capabilities. The Ground Master radars are internationally recognised for their reliability, superior performance, rapid deployability, and adaptability to diverse missions, positioning them amongst the world's leading air surveillance and defence systems. The facility is scheduled to be fully operational by 2027, where it will assemble, test, and qualify advanced air surveillance radars to meet both domestic and export markets' needs. The factory will serve as a strategic asset, bolstering the UAE's defence manufacturing capabilities, enhancing self-sufficiency in critical technologies, and providing flexibility to address varying operational requirements. The strategic deal reflects Thales' commitment to supporting the UAE's vision of advancing manufacturing capabilities through innovation and industrial excellence. A core pillar of Thales Radar Centre of Excellence's expansion is the development of Emirati talent. Thales said it places localisation at the heart of its growth strategy through advanced training programmes and sustainable professional career development, building specialised local expertise in advanced radar technologies in support of the UAE's National Defence Strategy and its vision of a highly capable, future-ready national workforce. As the project is not only focused on building the radar system but also on qualifying domestic suppliers, it further contributes to strengthening the national industrial base and promoting long-term self-reliance. On the agreement, Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Sector Chief of Defence and Security Industry Affairs at Tawazun Council, said: "The expansion of Thales' Radar Centre of Excellence reflects the strength of the UAE's defence industrial strategy and its regional leadership in advanced technologies." "This initiative enhances national capabilities in air surveillance radar systems while creating significant opportunities for local companies to grow, innovate, and compete globally," he stated. Abdelhafid Mordi, CEO of Thales in the UAE, said the company was proud to contribute to the growth of the UAE's industrial defence ecosystem by advancing local capabilities, in-line with the national vision. "The expansion of our Radar Centre of Excellence, through the establishment of a new production facility, marks a major milestone – from integration, testing, manufacturing to lifecycle support," he noted. "This investment reinforces the UAE's sovereignty in critical defence technologies, strengthens the national supply chain, embarks UAE talents and deepens local expertise in advanced radar systems," he added. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The National
22-05-2025
- Business
- The National
UAE's defence sector expected to attract more FDI amid localisation push
The UAE's defence sector is expected to attract more foreign direct investment in the coming years amid government initiatives on domestic production and sustained economic growth, a senior official from the Tawazun Council said. Companies 'find the UAE an attractive place to set up their business due to the stability, economic growth, location and G to G [government to government] relations that it enjoys with other countries', Matar Al Romaithi, sector chief of defence and industrial affairs at Tawazun Council, told The National in an interview. The council based in Abu Dhabi is the country's defence and security acquisitions authority, and also supports the growth of the defence sector though new projects and policies. Last month, it launched its strategic plan 2025-2028 to strengthen the UAE's defence network, with a significant focus on industrial localisation and development of new industrial zones. 'We are working on attracting international players to enable the industry. So it's not just what the UAE buys, it's more of what the UAE can offer to international players,' Mr Al Romaithi said. 'We have multiple parks that will be established in the coming five years to attract FDI and a supply chain that supports the UAE and the region. We have more of a global and forward-looking strategy and make sure that whatever is produced in the UAE is of high international standard that is exportable.' There are more than 400 defence companies in the UAE producing small components to big entities for munitions for military vehicles. Abu Dhabi-based Edge is a defence conglomerate with more than 35 entities under its umbrella, including small arms manufacturer Caracal, military vehicles producer Nimr, and Halcon, which produces missiles. International companies have also set up operations in the country. RTX, formerly Raytheon Technologies, from the US, as well as Swedish company Saab and France's Thales, are manufacturing defence products for the UAE market and to export globally. "We started with a concept called 'landed company', which is a fully owned subsidiary for international companies in the UAE," Mr Al Romaithi said. "They are expanding by building certain products locally and also targeting international markets." Last week, RTX announced the opening of a new advanced industrial unit at Tawazun Industrial Park in Abu Dhabi for the production of Coyote counter drone interceptors as part of UAE plans to localise advanced defence manufacturing. "Raytheon will be producing US technology," Mr Al Romaithi said. "The commitment they have is to reach 40 per cent of localisation through our local suppliers." He did not reveal the total investment in the project. Coyote provides security and protection for personnel, critical infrastructure and military assets from hostile drones. Tawazun also signed an initial agreement with RTX and Emirates Global Aluminium to explore setting up a gallium production unit in Abu Dhabi. Gallium, a critical mineral, has applications across many different sectors, including in the production of semiconductors, electric vehicles, medical devices and telecom infrastructure. "It will be the second largest after China and it's going to supply gallium to the local market as well as to international markets," the senior executive said. The industrial base that exists today will "enable more partnerships" to support the defence sector, Mr Al Romaithi added. The UAE has been focusing on industrial growth as it diversifies its economy from oil. The Emirates launched its industrial strategy, Operation 300bn, in 2021 to position itself as an industrial centre by 2031. The 10-year strategy focuses on increasing the industrial sector's contribution to gross domestic product to Dh300 billion by 2031, from Dh133 billion in 2021.
Gulf Today
21-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE enhances manufacturing through industrial excellence
Tawazun Council and Thales have signed a cooperation agreement to locally produce advanced Ground Master series air surveillance radars. This agreement supports the UAE's vision to boost local manufacturing and develop national defence capabilities. The signing took place on the second day of the 'Make it in the Emirates 2025,' with Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Sector Chief of Defence and Security Industry Affairs at Tawazun Council, and Abdelhafid Mordi, CEO of Thales in the UAE, in attendance alongside representatives from both sides. This reflects Thales' commitment to supporting the UAE's vision of advancing manufacturing capabilities through innovation and industrial excellence. The Ground Master radars are internationally recognised for their reliability, superior performance, rapid deployability, and adaptability to diverse missions, positioning them amongst the world's leading air surveillance and defence systems. The facility is scheduled to be fully operational by 2027, where it will assemble, test, and qualify advanced air surveillance radars to meet both domestic and export markets' needs. The factory will serve as a strategic asset, bolstering the UAE's defence manufacturing capabilities, enhancing self-sufficiency in critical technologies, and providing flexibility to address varying operational requirements. A core pillar of Thales Radar Centre of Excellence's expansion is the development of Emirati talent. Thales places localisation at the heart of its growth strategy through advanced training programmes and sustainable professional career development, building specialised local expertise in advanced radar technologies in support of the UAE's National Defence Strategy and its vision of a highly capable, future-ready national workforce. As the project is not only focused on building the radar system but also on qualifying domestic suppliers, it further contributes to strengthening the national industrial base and promoting long-term self-reliance. Commenting on the agreement, Al Romaithi said, 'The expansion of Thales' Radar Centre of Excellence reflects the strength of the UAE's defence industrial strategy and its regional leadership in advanced technologies. This initiative enhances national capabilities in air surveillance radar systems while creating significant opportunities for local companies to grow, innovate, and compete globally.' For his part, Mordi said, 'Thales is proud to contribute to the growth of the UAE's industrial defence ecosystem by advancing local capabilities, in-line with the national vision. The expansion of our Radar Centre of Excellence, through the establishment of a new production facility, marks a major milestone - from integration, testing, manufacturing to lifecycle support. 'This investment reinforces the UAE's sovereignty in critical defence technologies, strengthens the national supply chain, embarks UAE talents and deepens local expertise in advanced radar systems.' Earlier Tawazun Council and Airbus announced, during the Make it in the Emirates 2025, the strengthening of their strategic partnership through the launch of a national industrial capability development programme in the aerospace sector. Tawazun Council and Airbus strengthen partnership to manufacture C295 fuel tanks in UAE. The initiative aims to manufacture and supply Cargo Compartment Removable Tanks (CCRTs) in collaboration with EPI, a subsidiary of EDGE Group. In the presence of Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary-General of Tawazun Council, the agreement was signed by Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, CEO of Operations at Tawazun Council, and Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus for Africa and the Middle East, in the presence of representatives from both sides. The programme aligns with the UAE's vision to expand its industrial footprint within global aerospace and defence supply chains by developing and producing mobile, multi-role fuel tanks for cargo compartments. These tanks will support aerial refuelling, ground support and extended-range missions with high efficiency. The initiative falls under the UAE's Tawazun Economic Programme, one of Tawazun Council's key strategic tools aimed at boosting local content and promoting technology transfer in the aviation and defence sectors. As part of this effort, the Council is supporting the exclusive serial production of this type of removable fuel tank over the next five years. The project involves Airbus Defence and Space sourcing from EPI to manufacture and assemble aerostructures and sub-assemblies, and to certify specialised production processes. Once fully developed, EPI will serve as the sole source supplier for these components, reinforcing the UAE's growing role as a key industrial partner in the aerospace and defence sectors.
Trade Arabia
21-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Tawazun, Thales unveil special work packages for Emirati suppliers
UAE-based Tawazun Council and French multinational aerospace and defence corporation Thales Group have signed an agreement to empower more than 20 certified local suppliers under the 'Go to UAE' project with work packages worth AED600 million. The signing took place during the fourth edition of 'Make it in the Emirates 2025' in Abu Dhabi. The agreement falls under the framework of the 'Go to UAE' initiative, a flagship programme jointly launched by Tawazun Council, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and Thales. The initiative aims to integrate local suppliers into the global supply chains of Thales and other leading defence and technology companies by equipping them to meet top international standards and enabling access to long-term, high-value projects both locally and globally. The agreement was signed by Majed Saif Al Shamsi, Executive Director of Tawazun Economic Programme (Offset) at Tawazun Council, and Chtioui Mourad, COO of Thales Emarat Technologies, in the presence of Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Sector Chief of Defence and Security Industry Affairs and representatives from both entities. Since its launch in 2023, the programme has made significant strides. In its first year, nine Emirati companies successfully met international accreditation requirements, reflecting the growing readiness of national talent and industries to compete in advanced manufacturing sectors. According to Tawazun, the local suppliers participating under the new agreement will contribute to a wide range of specialised projects, including PCB assembly, electromechanical systems, pre-assembled cabling, and precision machining. These efforts will directly enhance the UAE's defence industrial autonomy and strengthen national supply chain capabilities, it stated. Developing the local suppliers along with Emirati talent remains a cornerstone of this collaboration. Thales said it remained committed to delivering advanced training and upskilling programmes, aimed at cultivating a qualified pool of Emirati national professionals in critical domains such as advanced technologies and electronics. This aligns with the UAE's vision for localising strategic industries and creating high-value opportunities for its citizens. This agreement also reflects Tawazun Council's ongoing efforts to leverage the Tawazun Economic Programme to enable investment in the local industrial ecosystem, drive added value to the national economy, and boost the global competitiveness of the UAE's defence and technology sectors. Majed Saif Al Shamsi said: "The success of the 'Go to UAE" initiative is a testament to the progress we are making in enabling national suppliers to access global supply chains and contribute to key defence and technology projects." "Through the Economic Offset Program, Tawazun remains committed to building partnerships that generate sustainable value for the UAE's economy and industrial base," he stated. Roque Carmona, Chief Procurement Officer at Thales Group, said: "At Thales, we believe the future of global defence and technology lies in local innovation and sustainable partnerships. The 'Go to UAE" programme is a prime example of how connecting world-class UAE suppliers with international markets can drive economic growth and technological advancement."
Trade Arabia
21-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Deal inked to set up air surveillance radar production facility in UAE
Tawazun Council and Thales have signed a cooperation agreement to locally produce advanced Ground Master series air surveillance radars. This agreement supports the UAE's vision to boost local manufacturing and develop national defence capabilities. The Ground Master radars are internationally recognised for their reliability, superior performance, rapid deployability, and adaptability to diverse missions, positioning them amongst the world's leading air surveillance and defence systems. The facility is scheduled to be fully operational by 2027, where it will assemble, test, and qualify advanced air surveillance radars to meet both domestic and export markets' needs. The factory will serve as a strategic asset, bolstering the UAE's defence manufacturing capabilities, enhancing self-sufficiency in critical technologies, and providing flexibility to address varying operational requirements. The strategic deal reflects Thales' commitment to supporting the UAE's vision of advancing manufacturing capabilities through innovation and industrial excellence. A core pillar of Thales Radar Centre of Excellence's expansion is the development of Emirati talent. Thales said it places localisation at the heart of its growth strategy through advanced training programmes and sustainable professional career development, building specialised local expertise in advanced radar technologies in support of the UAE's National Defence Strategy and its vision of a highly capable, future-ready national workforce. As the project is not only focused on building the radar system but also on qualifying domestic suppliers, it further contributes to strengthening the national industrial base and promoting long-term self-reliance. On the agreement, Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Sector Chief of Defence and Security Industry Affairs at Tawazun Council, said: "The expansion of Thales' Radar Centre of Excellence reflects the strength of the UAE's defence industrial strategy and its regional leadership in advanced technologies." "This initiative enhances national capabilities in air surveillance radar systems while creating significant opportunities for local companies to grow, innovate, and compete globally," he stated. Abdelhafid Mordi, CEO of Thales in the UAE, said the company was proud to contribute to the growth of the UAE's industrial defence ecosystem by advancing local capabilities, in-line with the national vision. "The expansion of our Radar Centre of Excellence, through the establishment of a new production facility, marks a major milestone – from integration, testing, manufacturing to lifecycle support," he noted.
