The Unmanned Systems Exhibition (UMEX) and the Simulation and Training Exhibition (SimTEX) opened on Tuesday at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, bringing together international players to showcase advances in unmanned systems, robotics, simulation and training technologies. The exhibitions will run until January 22.Now in its seventh edition, the event has recorded its largest participation since its launch in 2015, with 375 companies and brands from 38 countries, including 10 first-time participants. International firms account for 55 percent of exhibitors, while the UAE pavilion is the largest at the event.
Key attractions include a live artificial intelligence versus human pilot drone challenge organised in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, highlighting emerging capabilities in autonomous flight. EDGE Group is also a strategic partner, presenting its expanding portfolio of autonomous and advanced technology systems.
The exhibitions also feature live demonstrations of mission-ready unmanned systems, robotics and AI-enabled technologies, These showcases include advanced unmanned aerial and ground vehicles, counter-drone systems and operational scenarios designed to demonstrate real-world defence and security applications.
Another highlight is the Ministry of Defence coding challenge, a hands-on competition that tasks participants with solving real-world defence technology problems using coding and artificial intelligence, offering practical exposure to autonomous systems development.
The exhibitions place strong emphasis on defence and security applications, alongside growing civil and commercial uses such as logistics, energy, agriculture, smart cities and public safety, reflecting the convergence of military and civilian autonomous technologies.High-level discussions and live demonstrations form a central part of the programme, building on the International Defence Conference held on January 19 under the theme “Smart horizons: redefining defence through intelligent autonomy”.
Organised by ADNEC Group in association with the UAE Ministry of Defence, UMEX and SimTEX reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for unmanned and autonomous technologies.
