MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, the Unmanned Systems Exhibition (UMEX) and Simulation and Training Exhibition (SimTEX) and conference will run from January 22 until January 25 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), with a record participation of over 200 top local and global specialised companies.
The exhibitions’ accompanying conference will be held on January 22, under the theme: “Unmanned Systems, Ascending to New Spaces for Emerging Technologies and Unprecedented Impacts”.
This was revealed during a press conference held at ADNEC to discuss the latest preparations for launching the anticipated event, which marks the largest edition of the exhibitions and the accompanying conference to date, organised by ADNEC Group in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence.
Major General Mubarak Saeed bin Ghafan Al Jabri, Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of the exhibitions, said in his remarks that the UMEX and SimTEX exhibitions have witnessed significant developments “on all fronts” due to various factors, including the “significant and unlimited support from the wise leadership and their gracious patronage of these events” in addition to the global stature of the country and its diplomatic relationships around the globe.
Al Jabri also attributed the success of the conferences to the leading role of the UAE and its transformation into a “global economic hub for innovation and creativity” in unmanned systems, simulation and training, robotics, and artificial intelligence industries, as well as its pioneering integrated legislative environment and infrastructure, combined with ADNEC Group’s “distinct” business approach and the dedicated efforts of the Supreme Organising Committee.
The Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee further noted that the exhibitions provide a platform for showcasing the latest innovations and technologies related to unmanned systems, simulation, and training.
He added that the event will include showcasing the significant development in unmanned systems industries and the leading role of the UAE in these “vital” sectors. It also strives to provide local and international networking opportunities for start-up companies, in addition to witnessing the announcement of many deals for the participating pavilions as well as the Tawazun Council for the benefit of the Armed Forces of the UAE.
Al Jabri said: “Our cooperation with ADNEC Group … marks a milestone in the world of specialised exhibition industry. This aligns with the goals of our wise leaders and the Ministry of Defence’s strategy to grow national industries across various key sectors. We aim to achieve this by strengthening partnerships with global industry leaders and actively working to bring and adapt advanced technologies within our country. This will contribute to affirming the growing position and reputation of the country as a global centre for the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and as a centre for innovation and creativity”.
On his part, Hamid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of ADNEC Group, said that hosting the largest edition of the UMEX and SimTEX exhibitions since their initiation in 2015 marks a “new milestone” for the achievements of the UAE in various economic and knowledge sectors.
Exhibitions Mark Launch of Five New Initiatives
Al Dhaheri explained that the current edition will witness the launch of five new initiatives, including the UMEX commercial platform with the participation of over 37 international and local companies specialised in civilian and commercial uses of unmanned systems, in addition to the launch of the first edition of the programming challenge, targeting national talents specialised in programming sectors, in cooperation between the Ministry of Defence and ADNEC Group. Moreover, live land and marine unmanned systems shows will be organised for the first time at the main platform and ADNEC’s water channel, in addition to aerial shows in the Sweihan Hills area.
Furthermore, a new platform for startups from around the world will be launched, inviting these companies to present their latest innovations and technologies to compete for the “UMEX Next Gen Innovation Award”, in addition to launching a programme of daily dialogue sessions for the commercial sector with speakers from leading companies in this area.
2024 Edition Records 19% Growth Rate in Number of Exhibitors
Al Dhaheri revealed that the current edition of the exhibitions has attracted “record” participation of over 214 exhibiting companies and over 35 countries, marking a 19% and a 30% growth rate, respectively, compared to the previous edition. Countries participating in the exhibitions for the first time include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Singapore, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Taiwan, Estonia, the Virgin Islands, and the Czech Republic.
He added: “Since its establishment, ADNEC Group has been committed to supporting the growth and development of national industries in various sectors, as part of its strategy to enhance the competitiveness of national companies and transfer and localise advanced knowledge in the country”.
The current edition of the exhibitions has also marked a 64% increase in the number of national companies to 72, compared with last year’s edition, and the exhibition space was increased by 15% to over 30,000 square metres.
“In this year’s edition, national companies’ participation represents 34% of the total exhibiting companies, while the number of international participating companies reached 142, representing 67% of the participating companies.
“The UAE pavilion is the largest among the national pavilions participating, with an area of 5,200 square metres, followed by the Chinese and then the American pavilions, affirming the importance of the exhibitions in advancing the present and future outlook of these vital sectors in the country,” said Al Dhaheri.