Unmanned Systems Expo Opens In Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: Lt. General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, on Sunday opened the third editions of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (Umex) and Simulation Exhibition and Conference (Simtex) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. 

The events run until February 27.

Following the opening ceremony, Shaikh Saif toured the pavilions of the national companies participating in the event and was briefed on the latest unmanned systems and simulation and training technologies showcased at the event.

Umex and Simtex have attracted a record international participation from major global defence-related companies representing 34 countries compared to 23 countries in 2016, registering a 24 per cent growth.

In addition to offering a combined exhibition area of 17,000 square metres, up from 13,000 in 2016, the dual event has attracted 122 companies, compared to 91 companies in 2016, representing a 25 per cent overall growth.

Brigadier General Rashid Mohammad Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of Umex and Simtex, said, "We are confident that the current edition will continue past successes in highlighting the increasing importance of unmanned systems, simulation and training in promoting international peace amidst the changes sweeping our regional and international geopolitical landscape."

Umex and Simtex will include a specialised conference themed ‘Focusing Next-Generation Technologies on Tomorrow's Threats'. Set to draw the participation of leading local and international military experts, academics, industry professionals and decision makers, the conference will feature several sessions to identify the emerging trends, issues and threats in unmanned systems sector.

It will also highlight operational capabilities, theoretical aspects and innovative concepts across defence and commercial applications of simulations and training technologies.

The conference will feature three sessions. The first session will be themed ‘Increase Inter-operability of Unmanned Systems in Multi-Domain Environments' and outline the latest technological concepts to leverage the enormous potential of unmanned systems in supporting future operations across varied civilian and military sectors. 

Held under the theme ‘Integrating Unmanned Systems into Defence Mechanism', the second session will discuss the need to strike a balance between live demonstrations that feature realistic scenarios and interactive trainings through facilitating a real-life simulation technology environment at a lower cost in order to achieve positive outcomes.

A third session, themed ‘Leveraging the Simulation Industry to Maximise Training Objectives', will feature a dialogue on global markets, competitive environments and future requirements. It will highlight the potential challenges and opportunities in unmanned systems and simulation and training through attracting expert assistance, industries and professionals. It will further examine the key characteristics of the training environment, its high degree of competitiveness, its integration of evolving trends and the latest ideas in shaping strategies, tactics, operations and other vital aspects.

The conference will connect the practical aspects of the dual event with its theoretical and academic sides. In addition to drawing the participation of key experts and decision makers from both military and civilian sectors, the dual event is expected to present many recommendations and suggestions that will enhance the unmanned systems and simulation and training sectors and shape their outlook for the future.

Umex and Simtex will also feature live indoor and outdoor demonstrations staged at Al Ain Airport and Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.