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ABU DHABI / WAM
His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, on Sunday opened the second edition of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference, UMEX 2016, and the first edition of the Simulation Conference and Exhibition, as part of Abu Dhabi Aviation and Aerospace Week.
The event is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, ADNEC.
Under the umbrella of the Abu Dhabi Aviation and Aerospace Week (ADAAW), the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX) 2016, on Sunday focused on future technologies and innovations in regards to unmanned systems acquisition and technology development at a conference titled ‘defining the Future of innovation.’
Present on the occasion were Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs, and Staff Major General Eisa Saif Ablan Al Mazrouei, Deputy Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces.
Speaking at the conference Major General Ibrahim Naser Al Alwai, Commander of the UAE Air Force and Air Defense, in his welcome speech said, that each day the UAE continues to set the standards in the global growth and economic development with the future goal of becoming a focal point for future technology and innovation.
He said that Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 serves as the foundation for this goal and further highlight the importance that our nation places in the defence industry. “By focusing and expanding local industry and local capabilities and capacity through closer partnership with both national and international defence and security companies.”
In keeping with this vision, today’s event mark the beginning of the second edition of the Unmanned Systems Exhibitions which will run until the March 8 here in ADNEC, he pointed out, adding that, UMEX represents the first part of Abu Dhabi Space and Aviation Week which bring together a collection of world class unique and innovative events, exhibition, conference and seminars. Across all aspects of aviation and airspace from general to commercial, to military to private sector.
Besides UMEX the week-long series of events include the Abu Dhabi leg of Red Bull Air race, the global airspace summit, Abu Dhabi Air expo and Middle East Career Conference and Exhibition.
UMEX has the distinction of being one of the largest and fastest growing Unmanned Systems Exhibition in the region and an important event in the international calendar, which is constantly delivering key buyers and decision makers along with access to the rapidly growing Middle East Aerospace market, according to him.
Building on the success of the first Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference 2015, launched during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX), the Middle East region is ready to welcome a bigger and better UMEX show in 2016.
He said that the UAE has looked now towards transforming its military into a strong and stabilize regional force, ready to act swiftly and decisively across the full spectrum of military operation. “From peacetime, humanitarian assistance support to full scale combat operation. And doing so we have continued to invest in our people and training to ensure we are well equipped and well prepared, to face any future challenges,” he highlighted.
“I take this opportunity to draw attention to the lessons learn in Syria, Iraq and in Yemen, the incorporation of Unmanned Systems is playing a big role in these areas.”
Organised by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company in collaboration with the UAE Armed Forces, the inaugural edition of UMEX Abu Dhabi drew the participation of 33 international companies from 13 countries across 7 national pavilions. A gateway for manufacturers and suppliers to build relationships with influential decision makers within the industry, UMEX showcases unmanned systems and technologies used in air, land and marine operations. The event gives visitors a chance to view equipment showcased on static display stands and examine unmanned systems capabilities at live demonstrations hosted by Al Ain Airport. The 2016 edition of UMEX is expected to draw the participation of more than 5,000 experts and specialists from all over the world.
