Tawazun’s SEEDS Program attracts more global defense players

More than 40 representatives from international defense manufacturing companies expressed interest in joining SEEDS (Sustain and Enhance Emiratization in Defense and Security), the latest initiative of the UAE defense and security industry enablerTawazun Economic Council (Tawazun).

This came during a gathering hosted by Tawazun in London earlier this week, to acquaint its international defense partners with the various elements of SEEDS program and its anticipated contribution to accelerating the pace of Emiratization in the UAE and to stepping up the technology transfer and exchange of expertise with the world’s leading defense companies.

Launched in February 2019 as one of the new pillars of Tawazun Economic Program’s policy framework, SEEDS offers international defense companies the opportunity to fulfil their obligations through value-driven capability development and job placement programs for UAE nationals.

Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Chief Economic Development Officer of Tawazun , said: “ SEEDS is a result of one of the key pillars of the Tawazun Economic Program, which encourages partners to fulfill their obligations by establishing joint projects to develop and build innovative, technical and technological capabilities  in addition to creating jobs for UAE nationals.”

After its launch, a pilot program was implemented in Germany in collaboration with Diehl, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of defense equipment, in addition to Khalifa University, the first university in the UAE to be ranked among the top 300 academic institutions globally.

Under the pilot program, Diehl hosted an internship for six interns to build their practical skills through hands-on experience in emerging technologies to prepare them for future employment. 

Also commenting on the launch, Shahab Issa Abushahab, Chief Strategy Officer at Tawazun, said: “Tawazun is committed to the leadership’s ambitious initiatives to encourage Emirati nationals to pursue careers in the industrial sector, such as defense and security.”

“This will be achieved by playing a leading role in the development of human capabilities in the UAE. In addition to technical skillsets, Emiratis are also trained in other areas including administration, finance and legal, which will lead to the development of a sustainable defense and security industry.”

Under SEEDS, Emirati nationals at senior and mid-management levels, as well as fresh graduates of various specialties, an opportunity to work closely with the world’s top defense and aerospace original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)  and develop the skillsets needed to support economic development, as well as create a knowledge and innovation-based economy in the UAE.

“Working with our strategic partners, we look forward to developing human capabilities and accelerating the development of the UAE defense industry ecosystem,” added Abushahab.  

Sameya Al Ameri, Associate Director for Industrial Human Capital Development at Tawazun, said:  “Tawazun’s international internship program is a testament of our ongoing commitment to encourage the Emirati youth to pursue sustainable careers and to enrich their experience with hands-on learning and training at the best industrial powerhouses. The UAE benefits greatly from having young and skilled Emiratis contributing to the industrial development of the country, in line with the UAE Vision of creating a knowledge-based economy.” .

Helmut Reichelt – Head of Representative Office, Diehl, Abu Dhabi, said: “The SEEDS program adds value not just to students, but also to us at Diehl, as it helps to connect cultures and bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. We are excited to be collaborating with Tawazun on this program, and will continue to work on developing existing programs for Emirati students,, whilst offering all the support needed to ensure the success of SEEDS.”

The program is in collaboration with global technology leaders including Naval Group, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, and was developed in light of Tawazun’s commitment to building and attracting local talent. Furthermore, several international defense companies have also shown interest in SEEDS, praising it as a unique and mutually beneficial tool for promoting cooperation and industrial participation.

Commenting on the success of the program, Sameya, added “SEEDs program provides a platform for the Emiratis to implement both their theoretical and technical skills on a global scale. Our partnerships with local universities and international defense and security companies allow us to bridge the gap between academic and industrial needs, providing qualified and trained human resources in an increasingly competitive global economy.” 

Tawazun Economic Council (Tawazun) is an industry enabler responsible for the creation and development of a sustainable defense and security industry in the UAE. Tawazun serves as a catalyst for economic growth for the enhancement of the defense and security industry. By driving economic value, technology & innovation, ecosystem growth, and capabilities development, Tawazun empowers the industry for a better tomorrow.