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ALKESH SHARMA / EMIRATES BUSINESS
Emphasising upon the economic benefits of the integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in different industries, Emirates capital is all set host the much-awaited Unmanned System Exhibition (UMEX 2016) next month.
Keeping pace with the forefront of industry innovations and market requirements – UMEX 2016 will be a standalone show that will feature live flying demonstrations and will provide an ideal platform to discuss the latest developments, trends and innovations in the UAS sector in the region. Notably, over the years, UAE has seen an unprecedented investment in the sector of UAS and UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles).
This year’s UMEX show will have a broader scope that will include a Military Simulation Training (MST) zone to reflect the growth and investment in the UAE and GCC countries. UMEX and MST are ideally
positioned to provide a professional platform for manufacturers to meet operators and establish lucrative business relationships while promoting an assortment of benefits of unmanned systems and military simulation and training.
“The upcoming edition of UMEX assumes special significance as it is being held for the first time as a standalone event after being launched at last year’s International Defence Exhibition (IDEX),†said His Excellency Brigadier General Rashid Mohammed Al-Shamsi, Chairman of the events’ higher organising committee.
“This has necessitated concerted efforts from everyone involved in organising the event
to ensure that UMEX continues to maintain its reputation as a high-caliber regional and international defence event in an
industry which is likely to define the future of military capability for years to come,†added
Al-Shamsi.
The global UAV market was pegged at US$10.1 billion in 2015 and is expected to undergo a full-bodied growth phase in 2016. It is expected to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.12 percent from 2015 to 2020 and will reach the value of US$ 14.9 billion by 2020. Given the high interest of local government and corporate, UAE will have a major role to play in this growth cycle.
Along with UMEX 2016, which will run from March 6-8, there would be the pilot edition of the Simulation Conference and Exhibition 2016 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre here.
Recently Al-Shamsi headed the sixth preparatory committee meeting of the much-anticipated events and it was attended by various senior officials.
“I am pleased with the level of preparation currently underway and the efforts made by the sub-committees. I am confident that the upcoming edition of UMEX and the Simulation Conference and Exhibition will mark another successful milestone for the UAE in this critically important industry sector,†Al-Shamsi pointed out.
As a part of Vision 2030, Abu Dhabi will concentrate on developing its capabilities in the manufacturing and maintenance of civil and military aerospace equipment and parts, defence electronics and other equipment and space apparatus.