Title: Thales Strengthens Presence in Saudi Arabia, Aligning with Vision 2030
Introduction
Thales, a multinational defense company, is committed to expanding its operations in Saudi Arabia and aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 initiative. With a strong presence in the Kingdom for over 50 years, Thales aims to bolster the defense sector while branching out into other areas such as security, civil aviation, and higher education. This article explores Thales’ partnership with Saudi Arabia, its focus on diversification, and its commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Thales’ Trusted Partnership in Saudi Arabia
Thales has steadily increased its footprint in Saudi Arabia over the past five decades. The company supports all branches of the armed forces, including the air force, defense force, land forces, and naval forces. Its expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and communication systems has made it a trusted partner in the defense sector.
Aligning with Vision 2030
In line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy away from oil, Thales established a joint venture with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) called SAMI Thales Electronic System. This joint venture aims to build capabilities and localize the complete value chain in Saudi Arabia. Thales recognizes the importance of a robust Saudi supply chain and aims to involve local players in its operations.
Expanding Focus to Other Sectors
While defense has been Thales’ dominant domain in Saudi Arabia, the company is expanding its focus to other sectors as well. It has provided security systems for holy sites in Makkah and Madinah and was recently selected to deliver security solutions for the archaeological site of AlUla. Thales is also exploring opportunities to provide security solutions for projects like NEOM and the Red Sea.
Catering to Global Customers
By including its capabilities in its global network, Thales aims to cater to customers beyond the Middle East. The company’s involvement in civil aviation and air traffic management is a testament to this approach. Thales is working closely with the Kingdom’s General Authority of Civil Aviation to develop activities in these domains. One of its key products, “Flight to Gate,” uses biometric sensors to enhance passenger experience and reduce waiting times at checkpoints.
Technology and Innovation
Technology and innovation remain central to Thales’ approach. The company leverages AI and digital solutions to optimize its systems, enhance user experience, and ensure utmost security. Thales also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and aims to increase the green aspects of its solutions. With an annual investment of over €4 billion in research and development, Thales is committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
Commitment to Skilled Workforce and Diversity
Thales collaborates with universities and conducts in-house training programs to ensure a skilled workforce equipped with the specific knowledge required for their talent, products, and solutions. The company is also committed to diversity and gender equality. Thales plans to hire more female talent and has expressed satisfaction in identifying highly motivated and competent female engineers in Saudi Arabia.
Opportunities for Growth in the Kingdom
Thales is not the only French-based firm seeing opportunities for growth in Saudi Arabia. The recent agreement between SAMI and French aerospace company Safran is a testament to this. The Kingdom’s production capacity and its potential to become part of global supply chains are attracting international partners. SAMI aims to become one of the top 25 defense companies globally by 2030, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative.
Conclusion
Thales’ commitment to strengthening its presence in Saudi Arabia aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 initiative. By expanding its operations in sectors beyond defense, such as security, civil aviation, and higher education, Thales aims to contribute to the diversification of Saudi Arabia’s economy. With a focus on technology, innovation, sustainability, and a skilled workforce, Thales is well-positioned to support the Kingdom’s goals and become a global leader in its field.