UMEX And SimTEX 2026 In Abu Dhabi Crown The Region’s Largest Unmanned Systems Exhibition

UMEX and SimTEX 2026, together with the International Defence Conference, will stage their largest editions at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 20th to 22nd January 2026, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlighting unmanned systems, AI, simulation, training, and wider dual-use technologies.

The events are organised by ADNEC Group, a Modon company, in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence and the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, supported by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, with EDGE Group as strategic partner and Abu Dhabi Mobility as collaborator, positioning the gatherings as specialised platforms for unmanned systems, robotics, simulation, and training.

According to ADNEC Group, UMEX and SimTEX 2026 represent the most extensive editions since the exhibitions launched in 2015, with record expansion in space, participation, and supporting programmes, and a growing emphasis on commercial and civil uses alongside defence applications across air, land, maritime, logistics, utilities, and smart city sectors.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said, "UMEX and SimTEX 2026 are the only events of their kind in the Middle East, attracting a host of prominent local and international companies specialising in unmanned systems for commercial and defence applications across land, air, and maritime sectors.These events align with ADNEC Group's strategy to position Abu Dhabi as the regional capital of innovation and development of these strategic sectors, in accordance with the aspirations and directives of the UAE’s visionary leadership."

Al Dhaheri noted that the exhibition footprint grows by 34% compared with 2024, reaching 40,322 square metres, while the number of exhibiting companies and brands rises to 375, an increase of 74%, and participation spans 38 countries, including 10 first-time participants, signalling broader international engagement.

Al Dhaheri explained that the UAE pavilion is the largest national presence by area, followed by China and the United States, with national companies accounting for 45% of exhibitors and international firms 55%, reflecting how UMEX and SimTEX 2026 contribute to domestic industry development, export reach, partnership building, and knowledge localisation.

Brigadier General Mohammed Obaid Al Marshoudi, Chairman of the Organising Committee of UMEX and SimTEX, stated, "UMEX and SimTEX 2026 stand as the region’s most prominent events of their kind for unmanned systems and simulation and training technologies. These exhibitions play a pivotal role in solidifying the UAE’s global leadership by leveraging cutting-edge innovations that drive economic growth, stability, and both national and regional security."

He added, "The UAE’s unmanned systems, simulation and training, and AI sectors are experiencing remarkable growth and attracting unprecedented investments. This growth momentum positions UMEX and SimTEX as the ideal platforms for specialised companies in these sectors to showcase their innovative solutions, designed to meet the evolving demands of simulation and training both locally and globally."

Al Marshoudi further emphasised that UMEX and SimTEX are aligned with the UAE leadership’s strategy to strengthen the country’s role as a global industry hub, drawing leading companies in unmanned systems, AI, robotics, simulation, and multi-use systems from civil, commercial, and defence domains, while providing an arena to demonstrate advanced technologies and support national capability-building.

UMEX and SimTEX 2026 commercial focus and conference programme

UMEX and SimTEX 2026 place stronger weight on commercial applications than previous cycles, introducing new features such as the Autonomous Drone Challenge, live demonstrations by start-ups and small enterprises, and "The Future of Autonomy x ITC," which will explore how unmanned systems are adopted across logistics, energy, utilities, smart cities, and public safety.

The "Future of Autonomy x ITC" discussions will include keynote speeches, panels, workshops, and technical briefings assessing how unmanned technologies support urban services including transportation, inspection, utilities, and waste management, and how AI-based analytics enhance maintenance, safety, and environmental monitoring across both public and private sector operations.

Programme sessions will also look at future urban air mobility, examining electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles, advanced drone platforms, and the related infrastructure, airspace management, and regulatory frameworks needed for integration into current transport systems while maintaining safety, reliability, and coordinated oversight among different authorities and operators.

UMEX and SimTEX 2026 Defence 4.0 and innovation challenges

Defence 4.0, scheduled on 22nd January within UMEX and SimTEX 2026, will assemble defence officials, military delegations, and technology specialists under the theme "Transforming Tomorrow’s Battlespace," providing tailored content for commanders, industry leaders, and planners looking at how emerging technologies influence capability development and modernisation programmes.

The Defence 4.0 agenda features panels with national and international experts exploring the next industrial era in defence, integration of Defence 4.0 technologies into multi-domain operations, and the deployment of AI-enabled drones to raise operational effectiveness, alongside sessions on space as a future theatre and the role of autonomous systems in space operations.

The 2026 edition also introduces the first A2RL Drone Challenge at UMEX, organised by ASPIRE, part of the Advanced Technology Research Council, held in Hall 10 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 21st to 22nd January, with time trials, drone races, and head-to-head contests between professional pilots and AI-controlled systems.

Beyond the indoor exhibitions, UMEX and SimTEX 2026 will stage live demonstrations at Tilal Swaihan involving 22 international organisations, showcasing unmanned systems, AI, and robotics across varied terrain and operational conditions, while a dedicated start-up platform offers networking, investor access, partnership opportunities, and a competition highlighting innovative unmanned technologies.

By hosting UMEX, SimTEX 2026, and the International Defence Conference, ADNEC Group supports the UAE objective of positioning Abu Dhabi as a global centre for innovation and advanced technologies, while reinforcing the contribution of the exhibitions and conferences sector to the national economy and to the development of future-focused industries.

With inputs from WAM