ADNEC Group has completed final preparations for the largest editions to date of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition (UMEX), Simulation and Training Exhibition (SimTEX), and the International Defence Conference (IDC), following a dedicated briefing held for diplomatic missions in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Defence.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs and Chairman of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, the events will take place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 20 to 22 January 2026, with IDC convening on 19 January.
Strategic Platform for Unmanned Systems, AI and Intelligent Autonomy
Organised by ADNEC Group in association with the Ministry of Defence and the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, and supported by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, the events are expected to attract record participation from international organisations, senior government officials, defence planners, and technology leaders. EDGE Group serves as the strategic partner, with collaboration from Abu Dhabi Mobility.
Brigadier General Mohammed Obaid Al Marshoudi, Chairman of the Organising Committee for UMEX, SimTEX and IDC, underscored the expanding role of unmanned systems in global security and economic development. He noted that these technologies now extend well beyond defence applications, increasingly shaping commercial, civil, and industrial domains.
Advancing Innovation Across Defence and Civil Sectors
Al Marshoudi emphasised that UMEX and SimTEX provide a critical platform for showcasing advancements in unmanned systems, simulation, training, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The exhibitions are designed to foster dialogue between international industry leaders and decision-makers, while supporting collaboration, technology transfer, and investment opportunities across fast-growing sectors.
He added that AI-driven innovation has enabled start-ups and emerging technology firms to connect with regional and global partners, opening new pathways for direct and indirect investment in autonomous and intelligent systems.
IDC 2026 to Address Emerging Defence and Security Challenges
The 2026 edition of the International Defence Conference will be held under the theme “Smart Horizons: Redefining Defence through Intelligent Autonomy.” The conference is expected to bring together more than 700 senior leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to examine regional and international security challenges, technological disruption, and the convergence of civil and defence applications.
According to Al Marshoudi, the collaboration between ADNEC Group and national defence stakeholders reflects the UAE leadership’s long-term vision to strengthen national industries, localise advanced technologies, and position the country as a global hub for Industry 4.0 and innovation-driven growth.
ADNEC Group Reinforces Abu Dhabi’s Global Events Leadership
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of ADNEC Group, stated that the seventh edition of UMEX and SimTEX represents a milestone in the events’ evolution since their launch in 2015. He highlighted that the 2026 edition is the largest to date in terms of exhibition space, participant diversity, and sectoral representation.
Al Dhaheri noted that the exhibitions’ expanded focus on unmanned systems, AI, simulation, and training aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as a global destination for high-impact business events, defence exhibitions, and international conferences.
He also expressed appreciation for the continued cooperation of the UAE Ministry of Defence, the Tawazun Council, the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, EDGE Group, and public- and private-sector partners, expressing confidence that UMEX, SimTEX, and IDC 2026 will further enhance the UAE’s regional and global standing.
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