Abu Dhabi, UAE – Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has signed a Collaboration Agreement with global technology leader, Thales, in order to accelerate the development and deployment of new technologies in the areas of quantum, autonomous systems and directed energy. The agreement, signed at the Dubai Airshow, establishes a long-term framework for joint R&D that drives innovation and real-world applications.
This partnership exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to building sovereign R&D capabilities, while supporting the country’s growing role as a catalyst for global technology collaboration. Working with the Paris-headquartered multinational organization, Thales, presents an opportunity to strengthen the UAE–France cooperation in advanced science and technology. The collaboration underscores TII’s role as a global hub for frontier R&D and Thales’ commitment to advancing applied science through partnership.
The agreement focuses on several advanced technology areas in which both parties have complementary expertise:
- Quantum Sensing: Development of ultra-precise sensing technologies (gravimetry, magnetometry, and navigation) using quantum physics principles
- Advanced Autonomous Systems: Cross-domain robotics and autonomous mobility (air, land, sea, and space), focusing on swarm coordination, adaptive autonomy, AI-driven mission execution and advanced Command and Control Systems
- Advanced Laser and Power Generation Technologies: High-energy laser systems, advanced beam control, and compact, scalable power sources for future power beaming and defense applications.
Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said: “We are on a mission to accelerate R&D in frontier technologies and spark global collaboration by uniting with bold organizations that turn breakthrough ideas into real-world impact. In partnership with Thales, we have brought together two global leaders in applied research, as we are driven by a shared ambition to push the boundaries of science and shape the next wave of technological progress and value creation.”
The focus of the collaboration is to accelerate the transition from research to deployment and serving clients’ operational needs. By convening leading researchers from both organizations, the time to market for next generation technologies will be brought forward, increasing the potential for enhanced workflows and further industry breakthroughs.
Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, Chief Innovation Officer at TII said: “At TII, we see innovation as a bridge between scientific discovery and societal progress. By joining forces with Thales, we are strengthening that bridge, advancing technologies that not only define new frontiers in quantum, autonomy, and photonics, but also deliver solutions that shape a safer, smarter, and more sustainable world.”
Abdelhafid Mordi, Vice President of Thales in UAE and Iraq, and CEO of Thales Emarat Technologies said: “Thales’s partnership with the Technology Innovation Institute builds on shared strengths in quantum, autonomy, and photonics. These are areas critical to the next generation of secure and intelligent systems. Together, we are translating scientific excellence into applied innovation that supports the UAE’s vision for a future-ready, knowledge-based, sovereign economy.”
The signing of the agreement at Dubai Airshow 2025 highlights the industry’s heritage in global innovation and strategic cooperation. With the UAE’s vision for advanced technology leadership, this partnership will help the country make significant strides forward.
