Tawazun Council And Thales Group Sign AED 600 Million Agreement To Support Emirati Suppliers

The Tawazun Council and Thales Group have entered into a partnership to support over 20 certified local suppliers through the "Go to UAE" project. This collaboration involves work packages valued at AED600 million. The agreement was formalised during the fourth edition of "Make it in the Emirates 2025" held in Abu Dhabi.

The initiative, a joint effort by Tawazun Council, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Thales, aims to integrate local suppliers into global supply chains. It seeks to equip them with the ability to meet international standards and access high-value projects both locally and globally.

Under this new agreement, local suppliers will engage in various specialised projects such as PCB assembly, electromechanical systems, pre-assembled cabling, and precision machining. These activities are expected to enhance the UAE’s defence industrial autonomy and strengthen its national supply chain capabilities.

Since its inception in 2023, the programme has achieved notable progress. In its first year alone, nine Emirati companies met international accreditation requirements. This demonstrates the increasing readiness of national talent and industries to compete in advanced manufacturing sectors.

Thales is dedicated to providing advanced training and upskilling programmes for Emirati professionals. These initiatives focus on critical areas like advanced technologies and electronics, aligning with the UAE’s vision of localising strategic industries and creating valuable opportunities for its citizens.

This agreement also highlights Tawazun Council's ongoing efforts to utilise the Tawazun Economic Programme. The aim is to foster investment in the local industrial ecosystem, add value to the national economy, and enhance the global competitiveness of the UAE’s defence and technology sectors.

Strategic Partnerships

Majed Saif Al Shamsi expressed that the success of the "Go to UAE" initiative showcases their progress in enabling national suppliers to join global supply chains. Through partnerships under the Economic Offset Program, Tawazun is committed to generating sustainable value for the UAE’s economy and industrial base.

Roque Carmona from Thales Group stated that they believe in local innovation and sustainable partnerships for future global defence and technology advancements. He noted that connecting world-class UAE suppliers with international markets can drive economic growth and technological advancement.

The collaboration between Tawazun Council and Thales Group reflects a shared commitment towards empowering local industries. By bringing 'Made in the Emirates' solutions onto a global platform, they aim not only to bolster UAE’s defence capabilities but also set new benchmarks for export-driven growth.

With inputs from WAM