The fifth edition of the Fifth International Unmanned
Systems Exhibition and Conference - UMEX & SimTEX 2022 have been at Abu Dhabi
National Exhibition Centre, was the largest edition of this event in terms of
exhibition area and exhibitors, with 134 exhibitors from 26 countries from
around the world. It was under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin
Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the
United Arab Emirates Armed Forces. A Rosoboronexport delegation presented
samples of Russian unmanned equipment and advanced developments at the
exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
At the UMEX and SimTEX 2022 exhibitions, the Ministry of Defence UAE announced
that the total deals and contracts concluded by the Ministry during the fifth
edition increased to more than AED 2 billion, an increase of approximately 177%
from the fourth edition’s deals in 2020.
At the conclusion of the event, His Excellency Major General Dr. Mubarak Saeed
Ghafan Al Jabri, head of the UMEX and SimTEX 2022 and accompanying conference
Higher Organising Committee, said: “This growth in the scale of deals reflects
the UAE’s pivotal role in enhancing the national and regional economy,
stability, and security and its leading position in promoting innovations in the
field of unmanned systems. It also supports its work towards developing national
capabilities which empower and strengthen the UAE to confront challenges.
“In addition to the deals, the exhibitions provided a platform for international
companies to unveil their advanced technologies and new innovations, unveiling
22 never-before-seen technologies during the live demonstrations held today at
Tilal Swaihan area in Abu Dhabi,” he added.
His Excellency said: “The achievements of this edition bolster the leading
position of the exhibitions as platforms specialising in unmanned systems,
simulation, and training, which play a pivotal role in strengthening the
presence and position of the UAE as a leading global centre for technology and
innovation, all in accordance with global trends for adopting the technologies
of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi National
Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) and its group of subsidiaries, said: “The fifth
edition of UMEX and SimTEX was successful in light of the current exceptional
circumstances, as the total area of the two exhibitions increased by 20%
compared to the previous edition. In 2022, the number of exhibiting companies
reached 141 companies from 27 countries, while the number of visitors to the
exhibition reached 15,874, and the number of official delegations increased to
264 official delegations, an increase of 32% compared to the previous edition of
the exhibition.”
Al Dhaheri indicated that ADNEC has appointed a specialised company to conduct a
survey to measure the satisfaction of visitors and participants in the
activities of the two exhibitions and the accompanying conference, and 92% of
the visitors and participants stressed the importance of the UMEX and SimTEX
exhibitions, and 98% of them expressed their satisfaction with the experience of
participation, while 88% of visitors showed interest for their participation in
the next edition in 2024, and more than 99% expressed their satisfaction with
the precautionary measures that were applied at the event and 99% of them said
that they felt safe during their visit, which reflects the efficiency of ADNEC's
work teams and the precautionary measures that it applies in all its efficacy.
UMEX & SimTEX and the accompanying delegations have high strategic position and
importance in the agenda of annual events organised and hosted by ADNEC, as the
event represents a leading global platform for unmanned systems, training, and
simulation experts which contributes to enhancing cooperation, the exchange of
knowledge and expertise, and learning about the most important technologies and
innovations in these vital sectors.
Since its launch, this event has been contributing to the diversification of
national economy in accordance with the goals and aspirations of our wise
leadership for the next fifty years in terms of adopting the Fourth Industrial
Revolution by enhancing the UAE’s position as a leading global centre for
innovation and technology.
UMEX & SimTEX made significant contributions to GDP growth and the
diversification of income sources, as technology and unmanned systems contribute
to economic growth and provide job opportunities in several sectors in the UAE,
in addition to consolidating Abu Dhabi’s leading role in the global business
tourism sector in terms of hosting and organizing prominent international
exhibitions. The two exhibitions also contribute to increasing strategic
investments in advanced and innovative technologies by providing a strategic
platform for building active partnerships and enhancing communication among
major international players in the unmanned systems, training, and simulation
sectors.
A little more about Russian participation in the exhibition, which was very
noticeable. Even before the exhibition began Alexander Mikheev, Director General
of Rosoboronexport said: ‘Today Rosoboronexport is successfully promoting the
Orlan-10E and Orion-E reconnaissance and reconnaissance/strike unmanned aircraft
systems, the Kub-E kamikaze drone and is also preparing to launch a wide range
of ultralight, heavy attack, rotary-wing and multi-rotor drones on the external
market. At the UMEX 2022 specialized exhibition, we will showcase products from
Russian manufacturers, hold presentations and negotiations on cooperation in
this area with representatives of the United Arab Emirates and other Middle East
countries," said.
There is high interest today in unmanned systems in the Middle East, which has
considerable potential for equipping its law enforcement agencies with high-tech
products. This is one of the most promising market segments in the region.
"Along with the growing demand for drones, there is an increased attention to
drone detection and suppression systems. These products are particularly
relevant in the Middle East region, where drone attacks by terrorists occur
repeatedly. Rosoboronexport offers its partners a wide range of means for
equipping their law enforcement and army units, as well as private companies
engaged in the protection of infrastructure facilities, oil and gas industry
enterprises and critical organizations," Alexander Mikheev added.
Rosoboronexport said in Abu Dhabi once more that it is ready to consider
cooperation on the export of some UAV countermeasures systems, such as
Repellent, Repellent-Patrol, Kupol, Rubezh-Avtomatika and Pischal. In addition,
the company has developed and offers its partners a comprehensive counter-drone
system combining electronic warfare and air defense systems of various classes.
