• Dual event held under patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

  • 2018 edition to offer 17,000 square metres of exhibition space, up from 13,000 in 2016, registering 24 per cent increase

  • Number of participating companies to increase from 91 in 2016 to 122 in 2018, representing 25% growth

  • 34 countries to be represented, compared to 26 countries in 2016, registering 24% growth

  • Number of companies participating in live demonstrations in Al Ain to double over the past edition

  • Indoor live demonstrations by six local and international companies to debut at the event

Abu Dhabi-UAE:– Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the third editions of Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX) and Simulation Exhibition and Conference (SimTEX) will run from 25 to 27 February 2018 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Organised by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) in collaboration with the General Command of the UAE Armed Forces, the three-day mega event is expected to draw unprecedented participation from major local and international companies specialised in unmanned systems and simulation and training.

Brigadier General Rashid Mohammed Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of UMEX and SimTEX 2018, made the announcement at a press conference at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Ali Al Yafei, CEO of Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments (ADASI) – strategic partner of the event, Saeed Bin Khadem Al Mansouri, Director of IDEX, and Major Pilot Saeed Mohamed Al Yammahi, Official Spokesperson of UMEX and SimTEX 2018, were also present at the event.

Brigadier General Al Shamsi said: "UMEX and SimTEX 2018 coincide with the Year of Zayed, when every corner of our country commemorates the great achievements of the founding father of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who relentlessly championed scientific and technological progress and innovation in the country ".

He added: "The UAE has evolved into a unique development model across diverse economic and social sectors within a record time, becoming an oasis of security and stability in a region that has witnessed incessant turmoil for too long. None of our achievements would have been possible without the unwavering support of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the continued follow-up and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates. "

Stressing the keenness of the UAE Armed Forces in enhancing and upgrading the country’s defence capabilities, Brigadier General Al Shamsi noted that the dual event will allow the participants to explore the latest innovations in unmanned systems, and simulation and training technologies.

He added: “Catering to the military and strategic needs of our armed forces, UMEX and SimTEX 2018 will include a specialised conference themed ‘Focusing Next-Generation Technologies on Tomorrow’s Threats’. Set to draw the participation of leading local and international military experts, academics, industry professionals and decision makers, the conference will discuss key topics related to unmanned systems, simulation and training, such as identifying future UAS) equipment and training requirements, and optimising simulation and training capabilities using future technologies.”

Brigadier General Al Shamsi also thanked all partners of UMEX and SimTEX from the public and private sector for their efforts to ensure the success of the event in a manner befitting the reputation of the UAE. He also appreciated the untiring efforts of the members of the Higher Organising Committee of UMEX and SimTEX, in ensuring the success of the event, as well as officials from ADNEC and ADASI, among other entities.

For his part, Al Mansouri said: "UMEX and SimTEX have joined the ranks of the world's most important and fastest-growing defence exhibitions with their combined exhibition area increasing by 24 per cent – from 13,000 square metres in 2016 to 17,000 square metres in 2018. Likewise, the number of companies participating in the dual event has surged from 91 in 2016 to 122 in 2018, accounting for 25 per cent growth. Furthermore, this year, we expect 34 countries to be represented, compared to 26 countries in 2016, registering 24 per cent increase.”

He also revealed that the number of companies participating in the live demonstrations of unmanned systems staged at Al Ain Airport has increased 100 per cent to include 12 companies. In addition, UMEX and SimTEX 2018 will feature indoor live demonstrations for the first time, drawing the participation of six local and international companies.

Al Mansouri added: "The continued success of UMEX and SimTEX, as evidenced by these figures, is an outcome of ADNEC's sustained efforts and successful sales and marketing strategies, including active participation in 15 international exhibitions and continued engagement with its strategic partners. The event’s Higher Organising Committee and subcommittees also played a crucial role in supporting our exhibitors in achieving their goals. In this context, our strategic partner ADASI deserves a special mention, along with other national organisations and companies that have spared no effort to enhance the competitiveness of the dual event."

He noted that the preparations for UMEX and SimTEX 2018 have entered the final stages, and the ADNEC team is working diligently to cater to the dynamic requirements of the exhibitors, participants and visitors through providing them with exceptional services that surpass expectations.

In closing, Al Mansouri thanked the General Command of the UAE Armed Forces for its continued support and active involvement in organising the mega events. He also commended the efforts of the National Media Council, Abu Dhabi Media and other media outlets in ensuring seamless media coverage of the upcoming edition.

For his part, Al Yafei said: "ADASI is proud to be the strategic partner of UMEX. The partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to supporting our armed forces and stepping up collaboration among all national institutions towards achieving the objectives of Abu Dhabi Plan and Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030."

He added: “ADASI plays a crucial role in transferring and localising advanced defence technologies, developing national talent, promoting innovation and creating value in the development of unmanned systems."

Al Yafei also revealed that ADASI will participate in the live demonstrations at Al Ain Airport on the third day of the exhibition through showcasing S 100, one of the best-in-class unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems characterised by its high manoeuvrability and ability to operate in the most difficult conditions.

For his part, Major Pilot Saeed Mohamed Al Yammahi outlined the detailed agenda of UMEX and SimTEX 2018. He noted that the organisers have provided a press centre fitted out with state-of-the-art equipment to allow local and international media to cover the event in a seamless and efficient manner. Furthermore, dedicated shuttle buses will transport the exhibitors and journalists interested in watching the live shows in Al Ain.

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© Press Release 2018