United Arab Emirates
Thales is a trusted partner of the United Arab Emirates for over 50 years, delivering innovative and cutting-edge solutions that support the nation’s long-term vision. With a strong local footprint and 500+ employees across three offices, Thales is embedded within the local ecosystem.
Thales Emarat Technologies serves as a key industrial enabler, advancing national sovereignty, self-reliance, and innovation through localised capabilities, strategic collaboration, and the export of 'Made in the Emirates' technologies to global markets.
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Key Figures
Thales Emarat Technologies
Thales Emarat Technologies is fully owned by Thales under the Tawazun Economic Program, specialising in building local defence and digital aerospace capabilities. Founded in 2019, it is a strategic local defence asset that plays a vital role in advancing the UAE’s vision for national sovereignty through trusted innovation and industrial excellence.
Centres of Excellence
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Local Cooperation
Thales supports the UAE's position as a global and regional leader by advancing high-tech manufacturing, securing critical infrastructure, and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains to ensure export-driven growth and long-term economic resilience.
Thales reinforces its local presence through various partnerships, focusing on co-development with Emirati companies and fostering talent through professional and academic training programs.
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Local Partnerships
Thales is a key asset to the local ecosystem of the UAE, nurturing local partnerships and investing in local businesses.
The Thales ‘Go to UAE’ initiative, launched in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and Tawazun, is channeling AED 600 million in work packages to over 20 certified local suppliers. The program promotes 'Made in the Emirates' products and expertise globally, while fostering skilled local talent and integrating UAE-based companies into Thales’s global value chains to meet both domestic and export market needs.
Thales works closely with Tawazun, GAL, Strata, and EDGE amongst others, fostering advancements across industries and reinforcing a shared commitment to cutting-edge solutions.
Alongside Emirates Airlines and other global aviation leaders, Thales is a founding member of the Aviation X Lab, a bold and ambitious aviation-specific incubator. The lab aims to positively impact the lives of one billion people, developing innovative solutions for a more sustainable, efficient, and passenger-centric aviation industry.
Solutions
Thales in the UAE provides sovereign technologically advanced solutions in Defence, Public Security, Civil Aviation, Space, Enterprise and Cybersecurity.
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Civil Aviation
Thales supplies IFE systems & solutions to Emirates Airlines and is the exclusive provider for the Emirates’ 777X and A350 fleets, offering a unique experience for passengers during their flight.
Thales has also been awarded a contract to deliver TopSky - ATC, the world’s most advanced air traffic control automation solution, to Dubai International Airport.
Space
Thales is a key partner in the UAE space industry since 2007, launching the Y1A and Y1B satellites and recently securing a contract with Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) to develop the Emirates Airlock module for the Lunar Gateway project. This module enables spacewalks, research transfer, and docking for spacecraft.
Thales also supports the UAE Armed Forces with the FalconEye system.
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Cyber & Digital
In the UAE, Thales supports national agencies and private sector clients with secure banking and payment solutions, enabling digital and physical transactions. We work with leading institutions including Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Mashreq, Citi, Standard Chartered, and ENOC.
Thales partners with e&, Du and other operators to ensure seamless mobile connectivity and trusted digital identities for people and connected devices across UAE networks.
Sustainability Commitments
Thales is dedicated to enhancing sustainable development in the UAE through advanced technologies, in line with our purpose of "building a future we can all trust." Thales is committed to implementing its “Low Carbon Future Strategy” around the world, aiming for Net Zero emissions by 2040.
In addition to reducing our environmental impact, we are taking a proactive stance to create an inclusive and equitable workplace that embraces the diversity of all our employees, while upholding a strong ethics and integrity policy aligned with the highest international standards. Thales is also contributing to the Emirati community through investments in education and STEM training for Youth.
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Latest News for the UAE
- Group
Thales and the UAE Cyber Security Council join forces to develop a Cyber Centre of Excellence
- Advanced technologies
Technology Innovation Institute and Thales Partner to Advance Research in Quantum, Autonomy, and Directed Energy
- Civil Aviation
Dubai Air Navigation Services, Emirates Airline, and Thales sign Collaborative Research Agreement to advance flight efficiency through innovative solutions
- Group
Bahrain Airport Company Renews Partnership with Thales to Support Smart and Secure Airport Operations
- Defence
Tawazun Signs Agreement with Thales to Boost Local Optronics Maintenance
- Civil Aviation
Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement and Thales collaborated to Advance Air Traffic Flow Management Innovation in the UAE
- Defence
EDGE Signs MoU to Localise Maintenance Capabilities of Thales’ Advanced Optronic Systems in the UAE
- Defence
Tawazun Council and Thales Sign Agreement to Establish Ground Master Air Surveillance Radar Production Facility in UAE
- Defence
EDGE and Thales strengthen strategic cooperation with MoU for advanced radio and IFF solutions
Careers at Thales in the UAE
Thales is one big team, meaning you can work alongside colleagues from different backgrounds, learn from subject matter experts and continue to grow and develop your skills while sharing your expertise with others. You will find ample opportunities to develop your career in new positions or fields.
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Contact us for more information about our solutions
Media Relations
For further enquiries, please contact a member of the Thales media relations team (journalists only).