Thales Launches Elite Early Career Program for Emirati Talent

Dubai, UAE – Thales, a global leader in aerospace, defence, digital identity, security, and space technologies, has launched the “Early Career Program”, a dedicated graduate initiative aimed at empowering young Emirati professionals. The one-year program underscores Thales’s commitment to nurturing local talent and creating meaningful career pathways in the UAE.

Designed for recent graduates with up to one year of experience, the program targets individuals holding bachelor’s or master’s degrees in engineering or computer science. Ideal candidates are expected to possess strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and a keen willingness to learn.

Participants will benefit from a comprehensive blended learning framework, combining face-to-face training, virtual modules, and self-paced study. The curriculum encompasses technical skills, leadership development, and soft skills training, aligned with Thales’s global “Leadership @ Thales” approach. Regular mentorship sessions with senior Thales professionals will guide participants through their professional journey.

The program also provides international exposure, enabling graduates to work on cross-border projects and participate in a one-week learning visit abroad, enriching their global perspectives and fostering innovation. Project-based learning will allow participants to apply their skills in real-world settings, while structured assessments ensure consistent progress and development.

Abdelhafid Mordi, CEO in the UAE and CEO of Thales Emarat Technologies, commented:
"Investing in young Emirati talent is the most impactful way to shape the future. This program offers not just training but mentorship, confidence-building, and international exposure that will stay with participants throughout their careers. We are proud to support the UAE’s talent development and Vision 2031 goals."

Aligned with national initiatives such as Nafis, which enhances Emirati competitiveness in the private sector, the program will initially recruit top graduates from leading UAE institutions including Khalifa University (KU), American University of Sharjah (AUS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain University, and Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT). Participants can choose from four specialized tracks: Core Business Exposure, Customer-Centric Journey, Innovation & Digital, and Domain Expertise, tailored to their career goals.

Graduates who successfully complete the program and final evaluation will have opportunities to assume roles across Thales’s UAE operations and international offices. By combining exposure to advanced technologies with leadership and technical training, the initiative reinforces Thales’s long-term commitment to Emirati talent development and the UAE’s Vision 2031 objectives.

Earlier this year, Thales UAE was recognized by LinkedIn as one of the country’s top workplaces. The Early Career Program complements Thales’s broader local initiatives, including the Radar Factory in Abu Dhabi, the “Go to UAE” project with Tawazun Council, and targeted investments in STEM education and Emirati women’s mentorship programs, reflecting a sustained commitment to nurturing the next generation of UAE professionals.