Lockheed Martin’s Innovation Centre Marks Milestone as 57 Interns Graduate into Abu Dhabi’s Tech Future

A new cohort of talented engineers and scientists completes hands-on training at CISS, bringing AI and advanced systems expertise to the Emirates' growing technology sector

The Centre for Innovation and Security Solutions, Lockheed Martin’s working innovation facility in Abu Dhabi, celebrated the completion of its latest cohort on Wednesday, marking another chapter in the company’s decade-long commitment to developing home-grown technical talent. Fifty-seven interns graduated from the programme after months of immersive work on projects that bridge the gap between university learning and the demands of advanced engineering.

The ceremony, hosted by Dan Mouton, Lockheed Martin’s Vice President and Chief Executive for the Middle East, brought together senior figures from government, industry, academia and the diplomatic community to witness the presentation of four significant projects. These were developed collaboratively between the interns and Lockheed Martin’s engineers, covering fields central to the UAE’s technological ambitions.

Artificial Intelligence for Operations represents a system designed to guide technicians through build and assembly sequences in real-time. Modelling and Simulation delivers a high-fidelity cockpit simulator for pilot training and mission rehearsal. The Gearbox Artificial Intelligence Tool automates elements of gearbox design to streamline engineering effort and reduce costs. OV-1 Interactive, meanwhile, generates complex interactive simulations through plain-language commands, democratising access to sophisticated modelling capabilities.

Hala Majeed, CISS Manager, reflected on the centre’s mission. “The UAE’s ambition to build advanced industries depends on developing people with the technical skills and practical experience to lead their growth,” she said. “CISS gives talented students the opportunity to work alongside our engineers and mentors on real-world challenges, helping bridge the gap between academic learning and industry.”

The centre itself operates as a practical innovation hub where participants engage with projects aligned to national priorities including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cybersecurity, aerospace and space exploration. Established in 2014, CISS has evolved from a proof-of-concept into a structured pipeline for technical talent. Since launching its merit-based internship programme in 2017, the centre has graduated more than 350 students across advanced STEM disciplines. Thirty alumni attended this year’s ceremony, representing a growing network of CISS graduates now working across government and industry organisations throughout the UAE.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The graduation of these 57 interns represents an ongoing investment in the human infrastructure that supports Abu Dhabi’s transition toward knowledge-intensive industries. Each cohort brings fresh capability in AI, simulation and aerospace engineering directly into the local ecosystem, strengthening the technical foundation upon which the emirate’s advanced manufacturing and technology sectors depend.

With more than 350 graduates now distributed across government and industry, CISS has become a significant feeder network for the UAE’s innovation ambitions. The projects developed during these internships address real operational challenges, suggesting that the centre’s curriculum remains tightly aligned with actual industry needs and the region’s strategic focus on artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.

Source: WAM (https://www.wam.ae/en/article/c33pmji-lockheed-martin-celebrates-graduation-interns-abu)