Lockheed Martin recently inducted its largest-ever summer internship cohort in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Center for Innovation and Security Solutions (CISS) in Abu Dhabi. The merit-based programme welcomed 32 students from leading UAE universities, significantly expanding the company’s investment in Emiratisation and human capital development efforts within the aerospace and defence industry.
About 50% of the new interns are women, 70% are Emirati citizens, and 30% represent nine countries across four continents, reflecting the UAE’s diverse talent pool. Over three months, the students will be immersed in hands-on experiences, working on real-world projects. The programme helps bridge the gap between academic learning and industry application so that graduates are well-prepared to make meaningful professional contributions.
Gen. John ‘Mick’ Nicholson, Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin Middle East, said: “This record-breaking cohort of interns highlights our commitment to developing future UAE leaders, scientists, and engineers to take up critical positions within our programs at Lockheed Martin and across the wider aerospace and defence industry. By providing these students with specialist training and mentoring opportunities, we are inspiring and equipping the next generation of innovators who will help shape the future of global security.”
During their tenure, the interns will work closely with experts from Lockheed Martin on various projects, including artificial intelligence algorithms to automate foreign object debris identification in critical environments, interdisciplinary research, modelling and simulation efforts related to advanced defence systems, and space exploration initiatives.
Hala Majeed Al Zargani, Manager, Lockheed Martin CISS, added: “We are very pleased to welcome such a diverse and talented group of students to our team. Our goal is to provide a transformative experience that not only broadens their technical knowledge but also encourages innovative thinking and problem-solving skills that will be crucial in tackling complex challenges in the future.”
Lockheed Martin is committed to developing a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to meet the future demands of the aerospace and defence industry. The company’s UAE-based internship programme, which began in the summer of 2017 with just four students, has steadily grown into a year-round endeavour with additional sessions held in the spring and fall.
Overall, in 2024, the company expects to graduate more than 50 interns and will double its training capacity in the years to come as part of its broader strategy to invest in UAE education and human capital development.
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