The Ministry of Industry, Tawazun, and Thales have launched the ‘GO to UAE’ initiative to enhance the country’s export capabilities. This collaborative effort aims to promote products and expertise marked “Made in the Emirates” globally, while also developing a skilled local talent pool as part of the broader Make it in the Emirates initiative.
The launch of the ‘GO to UAE’ initiative took place during the second annual Make it in the Emirates Forum. The program is being conducted in partnership with Tawazun Council and has the support of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT). It also aligns with Thales’ commitments under the Tawazun Economic Program.
Under the ‘GO to UAE’ initiative, Thales will establish an industrial footprint by fostering the growth of local suppliers to meet both domestic and export needs. The initiative will focus on obtaining international certifications for technologies, parts, and services, enabling domestic suppliers to export their products and services marked “Made in the Emirates” to Thales Group entities worldwide.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for collaboration on the ‘GO to UAE’ program took place in the presence of key dignitaries, including Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, and Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Deputy Secretary General of Tawazun Council. The MOU was signed by representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Tawazun Council, and Thales Emarat Technologies.
Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary at MoIAT, expressed the UAE’s growing reputation as a global industrial hub, attracting major corporations. He emphasized that the ‘GO to UAE’ initiative demonstrates the fertile ground for industry and the ideal location for industrial investors to establish themselves. MoIAT is committed to supporting local industrial companies in meeting global standards to further boost exports. The UAE is recognized for manufacturing quality goods that align with international standards, and the government aims to build partnerships with corporations from various sectors to achieve economic and sustainable industrial growth objectives.
As part of the ‘GO to UAE’ program, Thales will implement a comprehensive training and development plan to support UAE suppliers in enhancing their performance and competitiveness. This program offers opportunities for UAE suppliers to integrate with Thales’ global supply chain, allowing them to leverage the relationship and industry standing when promoting their business activities in wider export markets.
The launch of the program took place at the Make it in the Emirates Forum, which gathered prominent industrial companies and enablers from across the UAE to discuss procurement plans, investment opportunities, and local manufacturing prospects. The forum prioritizes local products and encourages investment in UAE-based manufacturing through innovative programs like the ‘GO to UAE’ initiative.
H.E. Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Deputy Secretary General of Tawazun Council, highlighted the significance of the ‘GO to UAE’ program in achieving the goals of the Tawazun Economic Program. He emphasized that the initiative contributes to the in-country value program, enhances local manufacturing capabilities, and fosters the growth of indigenous expertise. Additionally, it creates skilled job opportunities, empowering UAE citizens in the defense supply chain.
Roque Carmona, SVP Group Chief Procurement at Thales, noted that the Make it in the Emirates Forum supports the UAE’s economic diversification strategy and efforts to enhance the competitiveness of national industries. The technical knowledge transfer and upskilling facilitated by the initiative will contribute to improving sovereignty, localizing essential manufacturing, and creating highly skilled job opportunities. Carmona expressed pride in launching the ‘GO to UAE’ initiative and leveraging Thales’ expertise and global reach to enhance the prospects of UAE companies across the supply chain.
