The company behind 3D software that helps special forces simulate rescue missions is planing a marketing blitz in the UAE as part of a sales drive across the Gulf.
Dassault Systemes, the global market leader in computer-aided 3D design, has the energy and construction sectors in its sights as it continues its expansion from its traditional hunting grounds in the aerospace and automotive fields.
The company's software has already been used in the UAE by the renowned architect Frank Gehry in designing the Guggenheim museum planned for Saadiyat Island.
"We would like to work with Masdar City," said Philippe Forestier, the executive vice president of global affairs and communities at Dassault Systemes, who is planning to visit Abu Dhabi next week.
Dassault is also helping to innovate "serious gaming", such as helping the planners in Shenzhen, China, soar above their city in a recreated virtual world using powerful projectors and specialised goggles.
This would offer a bird's-eye view of planned developments as well as allowing sophisticated simulation such as analysis of traffic jams, and tracking the city's carbon footprint.
Dassault Systemes is majority owned by Dassault Aviation, the French aircraft manufacturer that has a 40-year relationship with the UAE after supplying dozens of the Dassault Mirage fighter jets to its Air Force.
Mr Forestier said the UAE's emphasis on protecting critical national infrastructure, such as power stations and oil refineries, could create new opportunities for its 3D training programmes.
The company's software is already helping in training students at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, and was used in building the world's largest 3D virtual reality training centre at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia.
