CEO Patrice Caine outlines bold pivot beyond AI, with regional expansion and quantum R&D at the heart of Thales’ next innovation era
Thales Doubles Down on Middle East and Quantum Leap Beyond AI
As the global race in next-generation technologies intensifies, French aerospace and defense giant Thales is turning a decisive corner—away from traditional artificial intelligence and toward the Middle East and quantum innovation.
At the forefront of this transformation is Patrice Caine, Chairman and CEO of Thales, who declared that “AI is done,” signaling a bold shift in the company’s strategic direction. Speaking on Thales’ future outlook, Caine emphasized that the company’s next frontier lies in quantum technology and advanced regional operations, particularly in the Gulf region.
Middle East Expansion in Focus
Thales is accelerating its presence in the UAE, with plans to launch a dedicated radar centre within the next two years, joining the company’s existing global hubs in France and the Netherlands. This move not only reinforces the UAE’s growing role as a technology hub but also aligns with Thales’ ambitions to serve rising regional demand for high-tech defense and aerospace solutions.
Caine noted the Middle East’s geostrategic importance, stating:
“The region is not only an emerging economic powerhouse but also a technology-first player. We are investing accordingly.”
Quantum Research Takes the Lead
While AI continues to shape many sectors, Thales believes its core innovation cycle is maturing, prompting the need to move into the deeper waters of quantum computing and communications.
Thales has already made significant strides in quantum sensing, encryption, and computing—fields the company believes will reshape national security, healthcare, and aerospace in the coming decade. The company’s quantum roadmap includes both internal R&D and partnerships with academic and governmental institutions, with several initiatives already underway.
A Strategic Departure from AI Hype
Caine’s statement that “AI is done” underscores Thales’ belief that AI, while still impactful, has reached a saturation point in terms of media attention and investment hype. Instead, Thales sees quantum technology as the next wave—less noisy but more disruptive in long-term strategic value.
“We don’t want to chase headlines. We want to build what comes next,” Caine added.
Regional Sovereignty and Technological Independence
As Thales scales its presence in the UAE and beyond, the company is also emphasizing local partnerships, knowledge transfer, and sovereign technology capabilities. Its radar and defense solutions are designed to offer countries greater operational independence, a growing priority amid shifting global dynamics.
With Patrice Caine at the helm, Thales is no longer playing catch-up in AI innovation—instead, it’s laying the groundwork for quantum supremacy and regional dominance in the MENA region. As the company repositions itself, the global tech race may soon see a quieter, more calculated leader emerge from Paris—one deeply embedded in the Middle East and future-facing technologies.
