BAE Systems is one of the largest international supporters of the industrial sector in the Kingdom, being a major supplier of engineering and technology-enriched services. Increasingly, this involves a partnership between the company and Saudi industry.
Partnership in Developing Industries
- BAE Systems' operations in Saudi Arabia are being transformed into what the company calls a Home Market - a place where goods are developed, manufactured and serviced. The Company is pursuing a policy of transferring technology and work to the Saudi Economic Offset Companies.
Developing the home market in Saudi Arabia
- Currently, BAE Systems Saudi Arabia employs around 5,000 people in 8 locations in Saudi Arabia, and also has a UK support office. In addition, a further 10,000 people in the domestic marketplace depend on its projects for the sustainment of their employment. The Saudi companies in which investments have been made contribute another 2,000 jobs.
- Saudis constitute 65% of the total BAE Systems' workforce in Saudi Arabia making the Company one of the largest private sector employers of Saudis. The proportion and number of local nationals in employment grows steadily each year:.
- BAE Systems has made a major commitment to the training of local nationals to bring them into management, technical and other qualified positions. This process is known as Saudisation. It is expected that the young men involved in this will form the leadership for the future, both in the Kingdom and throughout the Arab world, as BAE Systems builds a Centre of Arab Excellence in Saudi Arabia.
- The Company focuses on all aspects of development, supporting the career aspirations of its workforce. Training extends from task related exercises, to management programmes and to broader business areas such as safety, ethical conduct, and in the promotion of cross-cultural understanding. These three areas are being introduced to new joiners as standard topics on induction.
Training in Saudi Arabia
Since 2008, the company has co-operated with Britain's Royal Air Force in the training of RSAF personnel as Typhoon technicians in the UK. The Company is also working with Saudi industry to provide intensive training for around 140 young Saudis in preparation for the start of Typhoon assembly operations in the Kingdom.
- Our Home Market strategy
- Responds to the call for foreign investment
- Develops an industrial capability in Saudi Arabia
- Focuses on the potential for growth in a strong economic environment
- Addresses a wide range of local support for defence and security equipment for air, land, naval, security and command and control sectors
- Develops our Saudi workforce as a resource for Arab Excellence
- Creates a basis for offering long-term career opportunities
- Channels investments into productive operations
