EDGE Group Highlights 'Made In The UAE' Defence Capabilities At MIITE 2025 Forum

EDGE Group is showcasing its pivotal role in advancing the UAE's defence industry at the Make it in the Emirates Forum 2025 (MIITE 2025). The group is committed to boosting the UAE's industrial ecosystem and reducing reliance on imported materials. This aligns with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s initiatives, aiming to enhance local procurement and increase in-country value.

EDGE has made significant strides in localising its supply chain. HALCON, a subsidiary of EDGE, has directed over AED100 million in orders to 26 manufacturers within the UAE. This move underscores EDGE’s strategy to strengthen national industrial resilience by focusing on domestic suppliers.

The group's investment in Emirati talent is evident through an 84 percent rise in Emiratis employed in manufacturing roles since 2022. Additionally, there has been a 143 percent increase in Emirati technicians. These efforts are supported by extensive training programs that integrate locals into high-value engineering positions across EDGE entities.

EDGE's Learning & Innovation Factory (LIF) has trained over 4,000 individuals in three years. This achievement follows a strategic agreement with MoIAT to accelerate digital transformation among high-potential manufacturers. LIF will support the ministry’s Transform 4.0 programme, promoting Industry 4.0 technologies and smart manufacturing facilities.

EDGE is advancing Industry 4.0 transformation across its operations, significantly boosting production capacity and efficiency. Automation has led to up to a 100 percent increase in production capacity and improvements exceeding 40 percent in throughput and product quality. Over 65 projects have transformed 24 production facilities across ten EDGE entities.

The group operates more than 170 manufacturing and assembly facilities throughout the UAE, forming one of the region's largest industrial footprints. These facilities enable EDGE to design, produce, and deliver complex systems efficiently.

Collaborations with SMEs

EDGE collaborates with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to co-develop specialised systems, expanding the national defence supply chain. A notable example is the RABDA aeronautical engine displayed at MIITE 2025, symbolising local engineering capabilities.

ADVANCED CONCEPTS, an EDGE entity focused on next-generation technologies, has enhanced its rapid prototyping capabilities with a new CNC machining facility. These advancements are crucial for accelerating R&D of autonomous systems and smart weapons programmes within the UAE.

Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, stated: "In line with the UAE leadership’s vision, EDGE has established one of the world’s most advanced and agile defence industries." He emphasised their focus on scaling production while embedding innovation at every development stage.

The group's strategy includes expanding facilities and increasing national workforce participation in technical roles since the last MIITE forum. By localising core capabilities, EDGE aims to create a self-sustainable defence ecosystem designed for both national security priorities and international export.

With inputs from WAM