ABU DHABI: The UAE has become a key regional hub for business tourism and a preferred destination for specialised global exhibitions and conferences, according to Brigadier General Rashid Mohammed Al-Shamsi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference, UMEX, and Simulation Exhibition and Conference, SimTEX.

"The event reflects the growth and investment in unmanned systems technology in the UAE and GCC countries," he said. "UMEX and SimTEX are ideally positioned to provide a professional platform for manufacturers to meet operators and establish lucrative business relationships while promoting the defence, environmental, civil and humanitarian benefits of unmanned systems." Al Shamsi said that such conferences are a robust catalyst for economic growth. "The exhibition efficiently contributes to other platforms related to the exhibition industry, including air and maritime transport, tourism and catering, helping provide momentum to the developmental drive adopted by the country and diversify sources of income in line with the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030," he said.

Al Shamsi praised the advanced level of the unmanned systems industry in the UAE, saying that it was considered to be an integral part of the UAE’s defence industry. Expressing pride in the well-trained UAE personnel leading the sector, he said that this help to enhance the country’s competitiveness regionally and internationally.

Jointly organised by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, ADNEC, and the General Command of the UAE Armed Forces, the 2018 edition of UMEX and SimTEX runs from 25th-27th February.

Al Shamsi said that the participation of 122 companies, including 32 UAE companies, reinforces the event’s ranking as one of the best five such gatherings in the world. "The 24 percent increase in exhibition space is testimony to Abu Dhabi’s ability to drive the expansion of this vital industry through attracting new international events to the emirate and consolidating its existing event portfolio," he said.

This year, for the first time, he noted " UMEX attendees will have firsthand experience of live demonstrations by the participating companies which are coming here to promote for their different types of unmanned systems, including UAVs, ground (UGVs) and surface (USVs), as well as multi-purpose robots used in areas of rescue operations, firefighting, and surveillance." More live shows will be staged for unmanned aerial vehicles UAVs, at Al Ain International Airport, A conference themed "Simulation and Next Generation Technologies" is being held in parallel with the dual event to highlight the advanced engagement of unmanned systems technologies, Al Shamsi noted. The conference will discuss future developments, opportunities and challenges across the globe, as well as the development of infrastructure, allowing government, simulation manufacturing and academia professionals to share information.

 

© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2018.