UAE Offset delegation wraps up successful participation in Eurosatory 2008

The MOUs were signed with Rheinmetall Group and Diehl Defence Holding of Germany, Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engg), and Thales of France.

The delegation signed an MOU between Tawazun Holding Company and the Rheinmetall Group while meeting at the Eurosatory 2008 defense exhibition. Additionally, an MOU has been signed with Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engg).

According to Al Hajeri, Rheinmetall brings technology know-how and expertise in the areas of defense equipment and automotive component development, manufacturing, and training.

Training nationals will be a primary focus and Al Hajeri states, "Rheinmetall is a renowned international technology leader, capable of bringing world-class knowledge transfer into the Emirates. This will be an exciting cooperative effort. We intend to identify multiple business opportunities which will serve the UAE in the near and distant future."

Regarding ST Engg, Al Hajeri said, "Singapore Technologies Engineering brings an innovative spirit in technological development to the engineering and manufacture of defense equipment. As a recognized international specialist, this company is expected to offer fresh ideas which will lead to investments that will yield value creation and long-term sustainable growth."

In the final day of Eurosatory, the delegation signed an MOU with Diehl Defence Holding of Germany, which produces wide range of defense systems.

The MOU calls for cooperation in the fields of training, development, manufacturing and transfer of know-how and knowledge to the UAE.

Also signed was an MOU with Thales for cooperation in the spheres of production of integrated systems for aerospace, defense and security market, as well as training.

"We hope to identify solid business opportunities with Diehl and Thales, and we expect to make further announcements in the near future."

The addition of cooperative efforts between Rheinmetall Group, ST Engg, Diehl and Thales to Tawazun Holding's range of industrial and commercial interests will brilliantly enhance existing projects such as Caracal International, the first national arms manufacturer in the UAE and Burkan, the Emirates' first munitions factory.

Tawazun Holding was established by the Offset Program Bureau in 2007. It currently focuses on the development and expansion of selected emerging companies across a wide range of industrial and commercial disciplines and seeks to create viable strategic partnerships that will add value to the UAE economy.