UMEX 2020: Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investment to support UMEX/SimTEX 2020 as strategic partner.

Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) signed on February 19 a partnership agreement with Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments (ADASI), the leading UAE-based firm that offers a comprehensive range of services spanning the entire spectrum of autonomous systems. The agreement appoints ADASI a strategic partner of the 2020 editions of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX) and the Simulation Exhibition and Conference (SimTEX), set to run at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 23 to 25 February 2020.

Agreement reiterates the significant advancement achieved by national defense sector(Picture source: ADASI)

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of ADNEC, and Ali Al Yafie, CEO of ADASI, inked the agreement on the sidelines of the 14th edition of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2019). The signing ceremony drew the participation of top officials from both sides including Brigadier Staff Pilot Ali Mohammed Musleh Al Ahbabi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of UMEX and SimTEX 2020, Homaid Al Shemmari Chairman of ADASI, and Saeed Al Mansouri, Director of IDEX and NAVDEX 2019.

Homaid Al Shemmari said: “The national defense industry has experienced a remarkable period of development over the past few years due to the unwavering support extended by our wise leadership as well as the tremendous efforts made by our national companies led by highly skilled Emirati professionals.”

He added: “We are delighted to sign this agreement with ADNEC and participate in the upcoming editions of UMEX and SimTEX as a strategic partner. The move demonstrates our commitment to supporting the UAE’s specialised event sector given its importance in showcasing the capabilities and potentials of the local defense industry, as well as facilitating the expansion of local industries into international markets.”

For his part, Humaid Al Dhaheri said: “We are proud of this agreement and our collaboration with ADASI to support the development of Abu Dhabi's specialised exhibitions and conferences sector focused on unmanned systems sector."

He added: “The upcoming editions of UMEX and SimTEX are set to break the record for the highest number of exhibitors and participating countries as well as the total indoor, outdoor and marine exhibition space allocated for the dual event. This underscore the growing importance of the event both at the regional and international levels.”

Ali Al Yafei said: “The dual exhibition and conference provides our national companies including ADASI with a unique opportunity to showcase their latest innovations in defence and related sectors especially unmanned systems. At the event, ADASI is set to showcase a broad array of state-of-the-art products that have been widely valued by our regional and international partners.”

Organised by ADNEC in collaboration with the UAE Armed Forces, UMEX 2020 will exhibit new, advanced unmanned technologies and attract high-level local and international experts to explore the most important developments and successful practices in this vital sector.

UMEX is the only exhibition in the region dedicated to unmanned systems and technologies used in air, land and marine operations. Meanwhile, SimTEX focuses on demonstrating simulation and training technology and capabilities. The biennial dual event convenes international delegations and decision-makers from the defence and aerospace industry as well as senior officials from the government and private sectors to explore the latest technologies and examine potential business opportunities.

The previous edition of UMEX and SimTEX in 2018 drew the participation of 122 major global defence-related companies from 34 countries.