- Lockheed Martin launched its largest-ever summer internship program at CISS Abu Dhabi, hosting 44 diverse interns from 18 countries, including UAE nationals.
- Interns will work on advanced projects in space systems, AI, simulation, and aerospace safety, fostering UAE’s innovation and defense capabilities.
- Since 2017, over 250 CISS alumni have entered key STEM roles in national security and industry, reinforcing Lockheed Martin’s long-term talent development in the UAE.
Lockheed Martin has opened the newest edition of its summer internship program at the Centre for Innovation and Security Solutions (CISS) in Abu Dhabi, and it is hosting 44 budding engineers, scientists and future leaders.
This year's record-breaking cohort follows the success of the 2024 summer cohort of 32 trainees, demonstrating Lockheed Martin's ongoing commitment to talent development in the United Arab Emirates and developing the next generation of defence, aerospace and advanced technology innovators.
The 2025 cohort of summer interns comprises UAE nationals, US residents and citizens from 16 other nationalities. Six students are traveling from the United States, Singapore, India and Italy, highlighting the UAE's rise as a world hub for innovation. All were chosen in a competitive, merit-based process based on academic qualifications, technical ability and leadership potential.
Gen. John Mick Nicholson, US Army, Lockheed Martin Middle East's chief executive, explained "Lockheed Martin is a worldwide leader in driving defence innovation, where high-tech and high-impact come together. In the UAE, we are building future-capable talent through experiential learning and applied education. Through collaboration, we are not just contributing to national security, but also contributing to economic growth, developing STEM capabilities, and enhancing the long-term capability of the country".
This summer, interns will also work with Lockheed Martin engineers on five cutting-edge projects related to space systems, artificial intelligence (AI) and simulation. Topics of the projects range from lunar base building with 3D-printed regolith to orbital foreign debris detection for aerospace safety, modular vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aircraft development, and immersive cockpit simulator creation. Systems planning and applied innovation are also central to interns' activities.
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Hala Majeed, Lockheed Martin CISS manager, said "This is not just a training program. It is a long-term investment in the UAE talent pipeline and sovereign capabilities. These students are translating knowledge into impact through applying real-world challenges and developing the advanced skills required to drive critical sectors and technology fields".
Since 2017, more than 250 students have graduated from the CISS internship program. Alumni have established careers in aerospace, engineering, and public service, working at organizations like EDGE Group, Tawazun, Mubadala, the Ministry of Defense, Dubai Police, TII, Khalifa University, AMMROC, GAL, and over a dozen startups, technology companies, and industry partners. Lockheed Martin has also placed 14 Emirati interns into high-priority national security programs, highlighting its long-term commitment to local talent.
The program reinforces national objectives for STEM education, workforce development, and industrial self-sufficiency, as well as enhancing US-UAE cooperation on innovation, research and human capital development.
