Celebrating the United Arab Emirates’ Golden Jubilee Together

When the United Arab Emirates, or UAE, celebrated National Day on December 2, its citizens and leaders commemorated the federation of seven separate emirates under one flag in 1971. But this year’s National Day was even more meaningful than in the past because it marked the UAE's 50th anniversary.

“I have seen this country prosper and grow,” said Fatma Bazargan, director of cybersecurity for Raytheon Emirates Limited, a Raytheon Technologies business. “Now we want to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and business professionals,” she added.

For more than 30 years, Raytheon Technologies has built a strong relationship with the UAE. And it entered a new phase in 2017 with the establishment of a local company, Raytheon Emirates Limited, based in Abu Dhabi.

“We are embedded here in the UAE,” said Alan Davis, chief executive of Raytheon Emirates Limited. “We are a part of the community and the culture and, more importantly, we are a part of their vision in expanding new technology and capabilities that are in alignment with future goals.”

Davis explained that opening the landed company was critical to setting up the next phase of the relationship. Not only did this deepen partnerships and community efforts, but it also allowed the business to continue supporting the UAE’s technology and defense priorities.

One key emphasis for Raytheon Emirates Limited is to weave innovation into the fabric of the culture by creating a knowledge transfer to nationals.

“Since Raytheon Emirates Limited started, we’ve focused on hiring Emiratis and establishing sponsorships and internship programs,” said Fatima AIShamsi, talent acquisition manager for Raytheon Emirates Limited. To date, 29 students have completed the internship program, which started in 2019. It empowers students to secure experiences in a variety of fields—from business development to finance and human resources to communications, aerospace engineering, cybersecurity and more.

Over the past 50 years, the UAE has accomplished significant milestones. Now, the country is looking to the next 50 years. And Raytheon Emirates Limited plans to be there, as it has been for over three decades.

“I am so proud of my country’s achievements,” AIShamsi said. “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the UAE leadership for this exceptional achievement and wish them all the best of luck for the next 50 years.”