Abu dhabi: ADNEC Group has conducted a special briefing for diplomatic missions, in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Defence, to detail the final preparations for the largest editions of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition (UMEX), Simulation and Training Exhibition (SimTEX), and International Defence Conference (IDC). These events, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will occur at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi from January 20 to 22.
According to Emirates News Agency, the exhibitions are organized by ADNEC Group in association with the Ministry of Defence and the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, with support from the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council and EDGE Group as the strategic partner. The events aim to attract significant participation from international organizations, decision-makers, and industry experts.
Brigadier General Mohammed Obaid Al Marshoudi, Chairman of the Organising Committee, emphasized the importance of the unmanned systems industry in maintaining international peace and security and contributing to sustainable economic development. He highlighted that UMEX and SimTEX serve as platforms to display advancements in unmanned systems, simulation, and training, bringing together global industry leaders to chart the future of these sectors.
Al Marshoudi expressed enthusiasm for welcoming official delegations and experts to the exhibitions, which cover sectors experiencing growth driven by AI technologies. He noted that these advancements enable start-ups to form strategic partnerships and open investment opportunities across key industries.
He also mentioned that the 2026 IDC edition, themed 'Smart Horizons: Redefining Defence through Intelligent Autonomy,' will convene over 700 senior leaders to discuss challenges and innovations in technological applications for civil and defence purposes.
Al Marshoudi underlined the collaboration with ADNEC Group as a milestone in the Middle East's exhibitions sector, aligning with UAE leadership and the Ministry of Defence's vision to develop national industries and strengthen global partnerships.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of ADNEC Group, stated that the seventh edition of UMEX and SimTEX 2026 aligns with ADNEC's vision to establish Abu Dhabi as a global destination for business tourism and major events. He highlighted the event's unprecedented scale and focus on unmanned systems, AI, and emerging technologies.
Al Dhaheri emphasized continuous collaboration with strategic partners to enhance the exhibitions' global competitiveness and attract experts in unmanned and autonomous systems. He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Defence and other partners, including the Tawazun Council and EDGE, for their collaboration in ensuring the success of the events.
He concluded by expressing confidence that the upcoming edition will further add to the UAE's achievements in economic and knowledge sectors.