Meet Saab UAE´s Managing Director
In November 2024, we get to know Heléne Bittmann, Managing Director, Saab Middle East LLC & Saab Ltd, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Heléne has over 18 years of service in the Swedish Armed Forces before she joined Saab in 2014. Under her guidance, Saab has seen substantial growth in the UAE, focusing on local product development, including the 5G solution DeployNet. While she aspires to excel in downhill skiing she gives three important career advice for young professionals to be inspired by.
Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 22,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.
Saab’s business operations in the UAE date back to the 1980s, where its long-standing and strategic partnership has transformed and grown over the years. Read more here.
Hej SBC Member!
Who is Heléne Bittmann?
I’m Heléne Bittmann, the Managing Director of Saab in the UAE, responsible for our operations here in the UAE as well as overseeing sales and business development within the country and across the region. I was born and raised in Sweden, where my interest in keeping people and society safe took root early on. My father’s commitment as a reservist in the Swedish Air Force inspired me to pursue a career in the military, and after completing my schooling, I joined the Swedish Armed Forces, where I served for 18 years.
In 2014, I joined Saab, a transition that allowed me to apply my leadership and strategic skills from the military to industry. The training and experience I gained during my time in the Armed Forces provided a strong foundation for my career in business.
Work keeps me busy, but I also make time for activities that help me recharge. I love spending time in nature, enjoying good food, and reading. Here in the UAE, I’ve rediscovered my passion for horseback riding, a pastime from my youth. Riding offers a chance to clear my mind—it’s truly meditative.
Can you share some of the exciting possibilities which lie ahead for Saab Ltd, considering its remarkable growth since 2018?
Saab has been part of the UAE market since the mid-1980s, but recent years have seen tremendous growth in both our team and our business. At our production and development facility, Saab Ltd., we’re developing products and IP fully designed and created here in the UAE. One example is our mission-ready 5G solution, DeployNet, which has already been launched in the market.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about other products currently in development, with a focus on sensors and AI. Stay tuned for more details on these innovations—we’ll have more to share next year.
Heléne Bittmann, Managing Director, Saab Middle East LLC & Saab Ltd, Abu Dhabi, UAE
As the Managing Director of Saab Middle East LLC and Saab Ltd Abu Dhabi could you elaborate on the responsibilities and functions associated with your position?
Our head office is located in Abu Dhabi, with additional operations across other sites in country. I’m proud to work with such a skilled and dedicated team. Much of my focus is on engaging with our people, ensuring we’re aligned on key priorities that will drive our growth forward. Maintaining a strong connection with our parent company – Saab AB – is also essential, especially given our global positioning.
Our culture is unique, and one of my primary goals is to embed it here locally. I aim to lead by our core values: know yourself, know your people, and know your business. Ultimately, these values guide everything we do and are at the heart of my responsibilities.
You hold the rank of Major and have served in the Swedish Armed Forces and now you hold a position within one of the most profound Swedish security companies. What are your top three pieces of advice for someone starting their career who aspires to reach a similar role?
Read books and get different perspectives.
Get to know yourself by doing things that are sometimes outside of your comfort zone.
Own your character but stay curious.
What is your dream in life?
That’s a tough question! It can feel quite personal, especially when some dreams are no longer possible—like seeing Queen perform at Wembley or flying on the Concorde. But one goal that does come to mind is becoming a strong downhill skier. So, yes, I’d say that’s my current aspiration!