NEP 2.0

Empowered by advanced technology, a new breed of players is reimagining the defense sector. To stay at the vanguard of innovation, the UAE has invested strategically in a highly sophisticated network of partnerships with defense and security organizations.

Saif first learned about the impact of the defense sector’s mission-oriented innovation on national policy while studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Belgrade. He earned a master's degree followed by a PhD in advanced guidance systems while working for Emirates Advanced Research And Technology Holdings (EARTH), and is currently the Guidance and Control Manager at Halcon, a regional leader in manufacturing of precision guided systems. “The defense sector is powered by R&D, and its breakthrough technologies reinforce our national security plans and ultimately help create new markets and opportunities in other sectors. It is important that our country empowers UAE nationals in this fast-moving sector so that our national security does not rely exclusively on other nations.”

Saif showed a willingness to take on leadership roles early on at the American University of Dubai, where he served as a Google Student Ambassador. The NEP is another step in his career, for which he has ambitious goals. “It takes a great leader to lead an ambitious goal. I hope that one day I’ll be prepared to play an influential role in the UAE. They say that everything starts with a dream. I dream that one day I’ll be the Minister of Technology in the UAE and lead the UAE towards a brighter and more beautiful future.”