Tawazun Council For Defence Enablement To Attend UMEX And SIMTEX 2026

Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement has confirmed it will join the seventh UMEX and SIMTEX events at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, from 20th to 22nd January 2026. The Council will also take part in the International Defence Conference on 19th January 2026, and plans to announce Ministry of Defence contracts during the three-day exhibition.

The International Defence Conference will run under the theme "Smart Horizons: Redefining Defence Through Intelligent Autonomy". Tawazun Council intends to use its presence at UMEX, SIMTEX and the conference to highlight how intelligent autonomy, unmanned systems and AI support national defence objectives and industrial growth within the wider UAE defence ecosystem.

Dr. Nasser Hamid Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, stated that participation in UMEX, SIMTEX and the associated conference aligns with the Council’s strategy. The focus includes supporting national capabilities, expanding research and development, and backing specialised UAE industries in unmanned systems, simulation, training and AI applications.

Dr. Nasser Hamid Al Nuaimi underlined that these Abu Dhabi exhibitions create a key meeting point for the defence industries sector. According to Al Nuaimi, they enable closer ties with international institutions and companies that work on unmanned systems, while also helping national stakeholders explore commercial opportunities and future collaboration in defence technology.

Al Nuaimi explained that emerging technologies, particularly AI, now form a core element within modern defence sectors globally. Tawazun Council has therefore adopted specialised strategies and initiatives designed to help UAE defence and security industries integrate AI across platforms, solutions and products, including those on display at UMEX and SIMTEX in 2026.

Saif Ali Al Marzooqi, Senior Advisor, Strategy and Executive Affairs, said Tawazun’s pavilion will highlight the Council’s programmes and initiatives, reflecting its direction towards excellence within defence industries. The pavilion will also feature Tawazun Industrial Park and a number of partner companies focused on unmanned systems, robotics and drones.

Key companies supported by Tawazun Council and appearing at the pavilion include Sandan, AirQ, FalconiX and Analog. These entities specialise in areas such as unmanned systems integration, robotics platforms and drone technologies, contributing to local supply chains and advanced capabilities relevant to the UAE’s defence and security needs.

Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement operates as a national enabler, translating defence and security requirements into institutional, industrial and economic outcomes across the UAE. Its planned role at UMEX, SIMTEX and the International Defence Conference in 2026 reflects these priorities and supports ongoing development of the national defence industrial base.

With inputs from WAM