Latest news with #TawazunCouncil
Arabian Post
03-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Thales Accelerates Gulf Defence Industrial Expansion
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai French defence and technology group Thales is deepening its strategic footprint across the Gulf by advancing plans to build a radar production facility in Saudi Arabia and an AI research centre in the UAE. At the Paris Airshow, Pascale Sourisse, senior executive vice‑president of international development at Thales, confirmed discussions on expanding a joint venture with Saudi Arabian Military Industries beyond radar systems to encompass broader air‑defence and communications technologies in the kingdom. This marks a notable evolution in Gulf nations' ambition to embed themselves within global defence and technology supply chains. Saudi Arabia, the largest military spender in the Middle East in 2024 and seventh globally, logged outlays of approximately US $80.3 billion, sustained largely by strategic efforts to diversify its economy under Vision 2030. Thales's radar factory would join several localisation initiatives already in motion, including radars, missile systems and counter‑drone technologies pursued by SAMI and its partners. ADVERTISEMENT In the UAE, Thales Emarat Technologies has committed to a dedicated factory producing its Ground Master air‑surveillance radar series under a cooperation agreement with Tawazun Council, struck in May. Set to be operational by 2027, the facility will handle assembly, testing and qualification for both domestic and export markets. The UAE deal includes broader vendor integration and talent development, with plans to deepen partnerships across the supply chain and nurture Emirati experts in aerospace and defence technologies. In parallel, Thales is pursuing the establishment of a cortAIx artificial intelligence research hub in Abu Dhabi—its first in the Middle East. With existing centres in Singapore, France, Canada and the UK, the UAE facility will co‑develop AI applications within defence systems, in close collaboration with end users such as the UAE Armed Forces. Sourisse noted that the centre aims to generate actionable insights from equipment data, aligning directly with client priorities on the ground. Strategically, Gulf nations are building sovereign industrial frameworks that reduce dependency on foreign armaments and strengthen regional autonomy. Saudi aims to localise half of its military procurement by 2030, supported by SAMI's network of joint ventures with global defence firms, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Thales. Likewise, the UAE is enhancing its industrial base via Tawazun Council and EDGE Group partnerships focused on smart weapons, missiles, radar systems and electro‑optic platforms. Thales stands to benefit significantly from these developments. Its factory investments in radar production and AI research secure long-term revenue streams, embed the group in critical national supply chains and grant access to lifecycle support contracts. An Ainvest analysis estimates the UAE radar factory alone could cost up to US $500 million, signalling both scale and investor confidence. Regionally, the spread of these initiatives could serve as a template for neighbouring states. With Gulf states increasingly aligned on defence self‑sufficiency, Thales may replicate its model with other partners beyond the UAE and Saudi, potentially in countries such as Qatar and Egypt. Academic research also underscores this growing industrial sophistication. Work published on AI‑augmented radar engineering highlights the utility of digital twin frameworks and machine‑learning algorithms in enhancing radar adaptability and performance, suggesting that Thales's cortAIx model reflects broader cutting‑edge trends. Commercially, localisation allows Gulf players to streamline supply‑chain logistics, support continuous operations—even during geopolitical tensions or sanctions—and catalyse export opportunities. Regionally, Thales's UAE‑based radar factory and proposed Saudi facility fit within a wider surge in Gulf defence industrialisation, spanning missile systems, drones, counter‑measures, air‑defence networks and electronic‑warfare platforms. End‑user demand for air surveillance, weapon systems, comms equipment and counter‑drone technologies has intensified. Thales's engagements align with this dynamic, suggesting ongoing growth in contract flow for its Gulf‑based defence facilities. Industry experts note that embedding AI within radars and systems will enhance detection accuracy and responsiveness, factors that both Gulf militaries and global buyers find increasingly compelling.
Gulf Today
21-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Firm wins award, glorify Dubai's position in industry
Dubai's global leadership in the exhibitions and events sector, as highly appreciated with its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and innovation-driven approach, combined with supportive regulations and exceptional capability in hosting world-class events, make it a top global destination for business and knowledge exchange. This was stated by Ziad Ghaloul, Founder and CEO of Buildup, after receiving the award for 'Best Stand Design & Build' for its Tawazun Council project at IDEX 2025. He affirmed that such events reflect Dubai and the UAE's commitment to excellence and continuous progress. He was addressing to media at the award ceremony held to celebrate top planners, designers, brand experience, and audiovisual technology experts in the field of events and exhibitions industry. The award ceremony included cultural celebrations, concerts, festivals, trade shows, sports events, conferences, and other specialised formats, held Madinat Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai was follow up of 16th Middle East Event Show. The 2-day show was organised by Informa Middle East at Dubai World Trade Center. Ziad Ghaloul added that, 'This recognition reflects Buildup's deep commitment to advancing the events and exhibitions industry in the region and our ongoing pursuit of world-class experiences. What makes this award even more special is that it marks our third consecutive win in three years, a testament to consistent excellence and, at the same time, a reflection of the growing trust and strong partnership we are proud to share with Tawazun Council, which has played a significant role in this continued journey of success.' Ghaloul further said that this year marked a turning point for the company, with a significant transformation in the scale and impact of its projects. Buildup delivered standout experiences in Japan, China, Indonesia, and Germany, alongside high-profile projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, underscoring the company's growing global footprint and a clear shift toward large-scale, interactive, and festival-style events. These experiences span diverse fields including sports, music, and culture, showcasing Buildup's ability to deliver rich, varied, and standout experiences. He also highlighted the expansion of Buildup's strategic partnerships with both public and private sector entities, which has reinforced the company's involvement in high-impact projects on local and international levels. He added that 'Every win we celebrate is the result of our creative team's passion and professionalism, transforming every idea into an unforgettable experience. This award belongs to every member of the Buildup team who contributed to this achievement, and it motivates us to keep innovating and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the events industry.' The event brought together more than 50 specialised companies and over 5,000 professionals from the fields of event planning and design, brand experience, and audiovisual technology, all under one roof to explore the future of live and immersive experiences.
Al Etihad
10-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE participates in Indo Defence 2025 with National Pavilion showcasing over 90 defence products
10 June 2025 15:32 ABU DHABI (WAM) The UAE is participating in Indo Defence 2025, held from June 11-14 at the Jakarta International Expo. The national pavilion is organised with the support of Tawazun Council and the UAE's Ministry of Defence (MoD) and as part of the ongoing efforts to enhance UAE's global presence in the defence an area of 704 square metres, the UAE National Pavilion features more than 90 products and advanced systems across land, sea and air domains, alongside cybersecurity and secure communications technologies, reflecting the rapid growth and advancement of the UAE's defence manufacturing pavilion brings together a selection of leading defence companies under the EDGE Group, showcasing the state-of-the-art technologies and products. Among the Group's participating companies are: CARACAL, LAHAB, AL TARIQ, HALCON, AL JASOOR, NIMR, Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), SIGN4L, KATIM, ORYXLABS, HORIZON, BEACON RED, and ADASI. AMMROC is also present as one of the key UAE companies taking part in the on the participation, Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Sector Chief of Defence and Security Industry Affairs at Tawazun Council, said: 'This participation presents a strategic opportunity to strengthen defence ties between the UAE and Indonesia, and to showcase the advanced manufacturing and technological capabilities achieved by our national defence industry.'He added, 'Our presence at Indo Defence 2025 reaffirms the UAE's commitment to expanding its footprint in global defence markets, particularly across Asia, which represents one of the most promising regions.'Al Romaithi emphasised the Tawazun Council's pivotal role in enabling and empowering the national defence industry by fostering strategic partnerships and providing platforms to demonstrate UAE's cutting-edge capabilities. He noted that the UAE's presence at Indo Defence reflects the country's ongoing commitment to industrial innovation and the development of globally relevant defence capabilities – in line with the leadership's vision to position the UAE as a trusted and influential partner within the regional and international security ecosystem. This participation marks a key milestone in the UAE's strategic approach to opening new markets, deepening industrial collaboration with Asian partners, and exploring opportunities that support a knowledge-based, and technologically advanced economy.
Al Etihad
04-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Tawazun Council awarded ISO Certification for Business Continuity Management
4 June 2025 14:38 ABU DHABI (WAM) Tawazun Council has been awarded the ISO 22301:2019 certification for its Business Continuity Management System (BCMS), a recognition granted to institutions that meet the highest international standards for ensuring operational continuity during crises and unforeseen achievement reflects the Council's ongoing commitment to institutional excellence and strategic certification is accredited by the United Accreditation Foundation (UAF) in the United States. It affirms the Tawazun Council's capability to implement a comprehensive business continuity framework that enhances its institutional resilience and ensures uninterrupted delivery of strategic milestone adds to the Council's previous certifications: ISO 37001:2016 for Anti-Bribery Management Systems and ISO 37301:2021 for Compliance Management Systems, highlighting an integrated approach rooted in transparency, institutional integrity, and effective risk this occasion, Khalifa Al Hameli, Chief Executive Affairs Officer at Tawazun Council, stated, "Being awarded the ISO 22301 certification marks a key milestone in Tawazun Council's institutional development journey. At Tawazun, we view preparedness and proactive risk mitigation as essential pillars of our certification not only reinforces our operational resilience but also strengthens the confidence of our local and international partners in our ability to maintain excellence in all circumstances."He added, 'We are equally proud to have achieved ISO 37001 and ISO 37301 certifications, which reflect the strength of our governance framework and our firm commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, efficiency, and institutional reliability. Together, these achievements embody our vision of building a forward-looking national entity that is capable of anticipating and shaping the future in alignment with the UAE's strategic aspirations.' Tawazun Council reiterates its ongoing commitment to enhancing its institutional ecosystem through global best practices, supporting the nation's excellence agenda, and ensuring sustainable performance across all strategic initiatives and operations.
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. (
