Unmanned Systems Exhibitions UMEX SimTEX And IDC Prepare For Largest Editions In Abu Dhabi

ADNEC Group and the UAE Ministry of Defence are finalising preparations for the largest editions of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition (UMEX), Simulation and Training Exhibition (SimTEX), and the International Defence Conference (IDC), which will be held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 20 to 22 January 2026 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The seventh edition of UMEX and SimTEX will focus on unmanned systems, AI, simulation and training technologies for civil, commercial, and defence uses, while the 2026 IDC will run on 19 January 2026 and gather senior defence and technology leaders to debate intelligent autonomy under the theme "Smart Horizons: Redefining Defence through Intelligent Autonomy".

ADNEC Group is organising UMEX and SimTEX 2026 in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence and the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, with support from the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, EDGE Group as strategic partner, and Abu Dhabi Mobility, and the organisers expect record participation from international organisations, decision-makers, and technical specialists across several high-growth industries.

The events are part of a wider collaboration between ADNEC Group and the Ministry of Defence that aims to grow specialised exhibitions for unmanned systems, simulation, training, AI, and robotics in the Middle East, while also backing the UAE leadership’s strategy to build national industrial capabilities, deepen partnerships with major global defence and technology companies, and advance the localisation of advanced Industry 4.0 technologies.

ADNEC Group previously held a dedicated briefing for diplomatic missions, in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Defence, to outline the final operational and logistical plans for UMEX, SimTEX, and IDC 2026, ensuring embassies and defence attachés are fully informed about participation options, national pavilions, and the programme of conferences, live demonstrations, and meetings during the Abu Dhabi events.

Brigadier General Mohammed Obaid Al Marshoudi, Chairman of the Organising Committee of UMEX, SimTEX, and IDC, said, "The unmanned systems industry plays a pivotal role in upholding international peace and security, as well as driving sustainable economic development through its innovative solutions, which now extend beyond defence to serve a wide range of commercial and civil applications."

Al Marshoudi explained that UMEX and SimTEX provide a specialised showcase for new capabilities in unmanned platforms, simulation systems, and training tools, and highlighted how these technologies support robotics and AI applications in civil and commercial fields, while also bringing together industry leaders and government representatives to consider policies and strategies that shape the long-term direction of these sectors.

Al Marshoudi noted that AI-driven solutions are driving very strong growth in many sectors represented at the exhibitions, including security, logistics, infrastructure, and public services, and said the exhibitions’ programmes are designed to help start-ups reach local and global partners, secure strategic alliances, and attract direct and indirect investment into new products and services that use unmanned and autonomous systems.

Al Marshoudi added that the 2026 IDC, which is expected to welcome more than 700 senior leaders, decision-makers, and experts, will address emerging regional and international security challenges alongside the latest technological advances, and will examine how intelligent autonomous systems can be deployed in civil and defence roles, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a venue for high-level defence and technology dialogue.

On the broader exhibitions portfolio, Al Marshoudi underlined that cooperation with ADNEC Group marks a key stage in the growth of specialised defence and technology events in the Middle East, stressing that the joint approach supports the UAE’s plans to expand advanced manufacturing, enhance knowledge transfer, and strengthen the country’s role as an international hub for innovation across unmanned systems, AI, simulation, and robotics.

On his part, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said, "ADNEC Group is organising the seventh edition of UMEX and SimTEX 2026 in line with its strategic vision to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier global destination for business tourism, conferences, and major international events and exhibitions. This exceptional edition is a continuation of the sustained growth journey since the event’s inception in 2015, and is set to deliver unprecedented results compared to previous editions."

Al Dhaheri stated that the 2026 edition is the largest so far in terms of exhibition area, number of exhibitors, and diversity of participating sectors, and emphasised that the expanded event profile underlines the growing interest in unmanned systems, AI, simulation, training, and emerging technologies across civil, commercial, and defence markets.

He added, "Through close collaboration with our strategic partners, ADNEC Group has continuously enhanced the UMEX and SimTEX exhibitions to boost their global competitiveness, and attract decision-makers and companies specialising in unmanned and autonomous systems, to showcase the latest innovations across smart agriculture, healthcare, logistics, smart cities, sustainable energy, and infrastructure development."

Al Dhaheri thanked the Ministry of Defence for its role in supporting the exhibitions and conference, and also acknowledged the contributions of the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, EDGE, and Abu Dhabi Mobility, expressing confidence that UMEX, SimTEX, and IDC 2026 will further strengthen the UAE’s economic and knowledge sectors.

Together, UMEX, SimTEX, and IDC 2026 are set to bring global defence, technology, and industry leaders to Abu Dhabi, support investment in unmanned and autonomous systems, and advance the UAE’s long-term plans for innovation, industrial development, and international cooperation within both defence and civilian technology ecosystems.

With inputs from WAM