UAE Solidifies Its Position As A Leader In Aviation And Space Technologies According To Thales UAE

Abdelhafid Mordi, the CEO of Thales in the UAE, emphasised that the United Arab Emirates has solidified its status as a leading aviation and space hub globally. This achievement is attributed to its ambitious vision, advanced infrastructure, and strategic partnerships that facilitate global companies in expanding capabilities and localising technologies.

Mordi highlighted that the relationship between Thales and the UAE has developed into a strategic partnership. This collaboration includes local manufacturing and enhancing engineering competencies. The UAE offers an ideal setting for strengthening research and development, fostering future sovereign technologies.

Artificial intelligence is now a crucial factor in shaping the sector's future by enhancing real-time decision-making. It also helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Digital transformation plays a role in advancing aviation operations, boosting efficiency, and enabling tailored passenger services alongside improved predictive maintenance.

Communications technologies and predictive analytics are pivotal in making aircraft operations more sustainable. They allow early fault detection and proactive maintenance planning, minimising unplanned downtime and unnecessary component replacements. By 2030, Thales' air traffic management innovations could potentially cut carbon dioxide emissions by up to 10 percent.

The expansion of electric aircraft and new air mobility vehicles like eVTOLs will further elevate AI's role. Mordi noted that the fifth cycle of Aviation X Lab, launched during the airshow, acts as a platform for turning advanced concepts into practical solutions. It supports a safer, sustainable future for upcoming passengers.

Focus on National Talent Development

Mordi stressed that nurturing national talent is central to Thales' strategy. The company provides an industrial work environment for Emirati engineers along with training programmes for graduates. There is also expanded cooperation with national institutions to ensure knowledge transfer and consolidate intellectual property locally.

At Dubai Airshow 2025, Thales showcased advanced solutions including defence and space technologies, unmanned aircraft systems, advanced radars, LEO-PNT navigation systems based on low-Earth orbit satellites, and cutting-edge avionics solutions. This participation was seen as an opportunity to highlight their technological advancements.

Mordi affirmed that these initiatives reflect Thales' commitment to supporting the UAE's growth as a global aviation leader while ensuring sustainability through innovative technologies. The company's efforts align with the nation's vision of becoming a hub for advanced aerospace developments.

With inputs from WAM