Abu dhabi: Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement (Tawazun) and the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) have signed a collaborative agreement aimed at strengthening the fields of research, development, and innovation.
According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement supports the advancement of high-impact technological capabilities across the UAE's defence and security sectors. Under the agreement, both parties will develop joint programmes and initiatives focused on accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, autonomous systems, secure communications, and advanced materials.
The agreement also aims to translate scientific research into practical applications that support national security priorities and contribute to building a knowledge-based innovation ecosystem. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the readiness of the defence sector by leveraging local expertise and directing resources towards initiatives that reinforce national content and data-driven decision-making.
The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary-General of Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement. The agreement was signed by Shahab Issa Abu Shahab, Director-General of ATRC, and Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, CEO of Operations at Tawazun. Abu Shahab emphasized the role of advanced technologies in supporting various industries, both defence and civilian, and the necessity of reformulating research and development methodologies to keep pace with growing interconnectedness.
He noted that the partnership seeks to enhance integration between the two sides, driving innovation in sectors such as transportation, energy, and telecommunications. The exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two sectors is seen as a fundamental pillar for developing innovative solutions capable of meeting future demands.
The agreement between Tawazun and ATRC underscores the UAE's forward-looking approach to integrating advanced technologies across sectors of strategic importance. By leveraging ATRC's cutting-edge R and D capabilities and the growing pipeline of locally nurtured talent, national entities like Tawazun are driving collaborative innovation that reinforces the country's security architecture, accelerating the shift toward a diversified, knowledge-driven economy.
Al Hashmi stated that an effective R and D ecosystem in the defence sector depends on integration between national institutions and the strategic alignment of capabilities. This partnership with ATRC marks a strategic step toward unifying institutional efforts by connecting the ATRC's advanced research capacities with Tawazun's national priorities, in line with the evolving security and defence needs of the UAE.
He added that the initiative aims to accelerate technological advancement in the defence sector by focusing on priority areas, empowering Emirati talent, and strengthening collaboration between government entities, research centres, and industry. The goal is to ensure a tangible and lasting impact on the UAE's national defence ecosystem.