Present in the Middle East for over 45 years, Thales has developed strong relations and partnerships with countries in the region and is widely recognized as a trusted and reliable partner. Thales is a trusted partner in defense & security, Ground transportation, aerospace, space, and Digital Identity &Security and employs about 1,800 people in the region (including joint ventures).
In each domain of activity, Thales has many references in the region.
- Transportation: Thales is supplying signalling systems, ticketing solutions and mobile communications for the Dubai metro in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and, Doha Metro in Qatar. Thales is providing a fully integrated solution for supervision, telecommunication, security and fare collection systems for the new Lusail Transit in Qatar. For the new Doha Metro, Thales is supplying advanced Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling. The Dubai metro, the longest driverless metro in the world, is equipped with an entire package of Thales solutions.
- Defence: Thales has a strong presence in the ME in radio communications, Radars industry and more.
- Security: Thales is providing airport security solutions at Dubai International Airport in the UAE, and Hamad International Airport in Qatar. Thales is to provide the integrated security for the international airports of Salalah and Muscat in Oman. In March 2015, Thales was awarded a contract by the State of Qatar to secure its new commercial port, the Hamad port, one of the largest and most technologically advanced ports in the world.
- Aerospace: Thales’ systems are currently managing air traffic movements, representing thirty countries. Thales is providing In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) systems in the Middle East, Thales provides IFE systems to Oman Air, Qatar Airways.
- Space: Thales Alenia Space is a major satellite communications player in the region contributing to world-renowned programmes such as Arabsat, Nilesat, Eutelsat and RascomStar-QAF and Yahsat. Thales’ Falcon Eye programme was signed in 2014 in order to produce two high-resolution Pleiades-type satellites – launching in 2017 and 2018.
Thales has always been the engine of the innovation and the technologies embedded in the the region and its industrial ecosystem. The United Arab Emirates started its journey towards industrial autonomy a while ago and in 2019, by creating Thales Emarat Technologie a 100% local company, Thales has set up an industrial footprint through three main axes of development – industry, innovation and education.
In 2020, Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) and Thales Group today signed a cooperation agreement to establish a Digital Competence Centre in Qatar Free Zones.
In 2019 , Thales signs contract with Oman Public Authority for Privatisation and Partnership (PAPP) to create the Advanced Cybersecurity Academy (ACA) as part of its Offset Program. Thales will provide Cyber Range Platforms and a full program of cyber training to the Academy to enhance Oman’s cyber-readiness
Numerous Joint ventures and academic partnerships with universities and partners across the Middle East form the core approach for Thales as the preferred local partner for the Middle East countries. . Thales is committed to the progressive development of Education, innovation and industry including cooperation in technology, operations, training and support.