BigBear.ai has officially launched its Middle East operations with a new office in Abu Dhabi, signaling a strategic long-term investment in the region. The move positions the AI solutions provider at the heart of a key market actively pursuing technological advancement in critical sectors like defense, travel, and international trade.
BigBear.ai establishes its first Middle East office at the World Trade Center Abu Dhabi.
CEO Kevin McAleenan announced the expansion, highlighting the UAE's leadership in AI for frictionless travel and trade.
The company has already formed regional partnerships with Vigilix and Easy Lease.
A key focus will be creating job opportunities and building a diverse, high-performing workforce with local Emirati talent.
The expansion leverages BigBear.ai's U.S. experience in government and commercial AI solutions for global security.
The company emphasizes that strategic advantage comes from the execution and follow-through of AI technology, not just its adoption.
BigBear.ai, a provider of AI for defense, intelligence, and commercial applications, has chosen the World Trade Center Abu Dhabi as the base for its inaugural Middle East office. The announcement was made by CEO Kevin McAleenan during his keynote at the Global AI Show. McAleenan, the former Acting U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, pointed to the United Arab Emirates as a pioneering force in implementing advanced artificial intelligence to streamline and secure global travel and trade networks.
“At BigBear.ai, we share the UAE’s ambition and bias for action, bringing to the table deep experience supporting government and commercial partners in the U.S. We are honored to be opening our first Middle East office here and look forward to working together over the coming years,” said Kevin McAleenan, CEO of BigBear.ai.
The office opening follows recent strategic moves by BigBear.ai to embed itself within the regional ecosystem. The company has already established partnerships with two firms owned by the International Holding Company: Vigilix and Easy Lease. Beyond partnerships, a core component of BigBear.ai's regional strategy is investing in local human capital. McAleenan underscored the company's commitment to creating attractive career opportunities for top Emirati professionals, aiming to build a diverse and high-performing workforce that contributes to the region's AI ambitions.
During his address, McAleenan drew from his homeland security experience to outline BigBear.ai's operational philosophy. He stressed that while early adoption of technological transformation provides initial momentum, true and lasting strategic advantage is secured through consistent execution and follow-through.
“My experience at DHS and leading one of the world’s most advanced domestic security organizations taught me that being first in technological transformation gives you momentum, but follow-through is what really delivers enduring strategic advantage. The promise of AI only matters if you also bring serious focus on execution. We intend to bring that know-how to bear for our partners in business and government in the UAE and beyond.”
This expansion marks a significant step for BigBear.ai in aligning its mission-ready AI capabilities with the strategic goals of a region that is rapidly becoming a global hub for innovation in security and trade infrastructure.
About BigBear.ai
BigBear.ai is a leading provider of mission-ready AI solutions and services for defense, national security, and critical infrastructure. Customers and partners rely on BigBear.ai’s artificial intelligence and predictive analytics capabilities in highly complex, distributed, mission-based operating environments.
TechIntelPro empowers B2B technology decision-makers with the latest industry trends, deep insights, leadership perspectives and actionable intelligence to drive both organizational and professional milestones—and thrive on the tech pulse.