The third editions of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX 2018) and Simulation Exhibition and Conference (SimTEX 2018), held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, wrapped up Tuesday at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
Sheikh Mohamed (photo) toured the pavilions of a number of participating national and foreign companies and got posted on the state-of-the-art unmanned systems and technologies showcased by the exhibitors, including unmanned systems and simulation and training technologies.
He exchanged talk with the exhibitors on the importance of such specialized events which showcase the latest technologies in the area of UAS and their role in ensuring global peace and stability.
Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, UAE Minister of State for Defense, inaugurated the specialized conference held as part of the 3rd editions of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference, UMEX, and the Simulation and Training Exhibition and Conference, SimTEX.
The final day of the dual event featured exciting live flying performances by unmanned aircraft at Al Ain International Airport. Drawing the participation of 9 local and international companies, including the UAE-based ADASI, the live performances demonstrated the sophisticated maneuvering and surveillance capabilities of unmanned aerial systems as well as their ability to capture high-resolution aerial photos and trace targets with high accuracy and efficiency.
Drawing the participation of 122 major global defense-related companies representing 34 countries, the event showcased latest unmanned systems and simulation and training technologies, and facilitated partnerships and business deals among the participating companies. Additionally, over AED878.371 million worth defense deals were signed by the Armed Forces with specialized local and international events.
In addition to drawing the participation of 12,400 visitors, the dual event was attended by 419 media representatives who covered various activities over three days.
Brigadier General Rashid Mohammed Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of UMEX and SimTEX 2018, said: “The success of UMEX and SimTEX 2018 validates the high-level efficiency and professionalism of the members of UMEX and SimTEX Higher Organizing Committee and its sub committees that included many Emirati talents. This success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the continued follow-up and directives of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates.”
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), said: “We are delighted with the huge success achieved by UMEX and SimTEX 2018 due to the record local and international participation. We attribute this success to ADNEC’s successful sales and marketing strategies, including active participation in 15 international exhibitions and continued engagement with its strategic partners. This articulates our priority to diversify our portfolio of events into sectors identified in the Abu Dhabi Plan and Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.”
UMEX and SimTEX 2018 also included a specialized conference themed “Focusing Next-Generation Technologies on Tomorrow’s Threats” that drew the participation of leading local and international military experts, academics, industry professionals and decision makers. The conference featured three sessions to identify the emerging trends, issues and threats in unmanned systems sector. It also highlighted the operational capabilities, theoretical aspects and innovative concepts across defense and commercial applications of simulations and training technologies.
