Four Emiratis are set to help boost the UAE’s space and cyber sector as they begin a six month internship with BAE Systems, a global technology and security company.
The programme has been developed in collaboration with Mubadala Investment Company, supporting the development of young Emirati engineers by providing hands-on work experience to develop their technical and engineering skills in the cyber and space domains.
The programme was established in 2015 and will feature cyber placements for the first time, recognising the growing importance of enabling a safe and strong cyberspace in the UAE.
The interns will be based at BAE Systems’ facilities in the south of England where they will work on real-life projects that will deliver real world capability on their return to the UAE.
The space interns will be working on technology that commands, communicates and tracks satellites and spacecraft that in the future could add value to the Emirati mission to the asteroid belt. The cyber interns will be working with our threat intelligence team to investigate the latest tactics and techniques used by cyber criminals to help inform and reduce the risk of cyber attacks, the learnings of which will benefit customers across the Gulf region.
Before setting off to the UK, the interns had the opportunity to meet with the British Ambassador to the UAE, Edward Hobart who wished them well on this exciting opportunity.
“It was a pleasure meeting these talented young people before their departure to the UK. Their pursuit of skills and knowledge in these cutting-edge sectors is admirable and will support the growing wealth of expertise in cyber and space technologies in the UAE. I wish them every success in this exciting opportunity and eagerly await news of their achievements upon their return,” Hobart said.
Jonathan Bird, UAE Country Director for BAE Systems, commented: “We’re passionate about the role we can play in supporting the development of young people and their future prospects. The UAE is becoming a disrupter in a number of defence and space technologies and as a global technology organisation ourselves, we’re providing the interns with access to our advanced laboratories where they’ll be able to learn from our skilled engineers and specialists.”
“Together with Mubadala, we’re focused on supporting the UAE’s important national agenda to develop its future leaders,” he stressed.
Fatima Al Marzooqi, Head of Emiratization at Mubadala said: “Mubadala is thrilled to support this exceptional opportunity for young Emirati engineers. This unique initiative in partnership with BAE Systems will help us develop world-class talent and contribute to the acceleration and expansion of the future-focused sectors vital to the UAE’s success. We look forward to witnessing the successes of these young pioneers as they expand their horizons.”
The internships are a significant stepping stone to accelerate the student’s academic success and career prospects upon their return to the UAE. BAE Systems has been established in the UAE for 26 years and prides itself on working closely with local partners to support economic development by transferring knowledge, skills and technology, including in the Middle East where it has had a presence for more than 50 years.
