Abu Dhabi to Host UMEX & SimTEX 2026 in January

ADNEC Group has announced that the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has been appointed as the Regulatory Mobility Partner for the seventh edition of Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Simulation and Training Exhibition.

The events will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and will take place from 20 to 22 January 2026 at ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. UMEX and SimTEX are organised by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence.

UMEX and SimTEX 2026 are the region’s largest exhibitions focused on unmanned and autonomous systems. They will feature the latest technologies and solutions used in civil, commercial and defence sectors, including artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, virtual reality and advanced simulation tools.

The exhibitions will include live demonstrations and conferences, giving visitors a closer look at how these technologies are improving efficiency, safety and productivity in sectors such as transport, logistics, healthcare, agriculture and manufacturing.

Humaid Al Dhaheri, Group Chief Executive Officer of ADNEC Group, said the partnership with ITC will strengthen the 2026 edition of the events. He noted that a new Commercial Conference will be introduced, with greater focus on civilian and commercial technologies, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for advanced technology and innovation.

Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, said the partnership provides an important platform to showcase Abu Dhabi’s regulatory frameworks and key projects in autonomous vehicles, advanced air mobility and smart transport infrastructure. He added that the event will help encourage knowledge exchange and support the adoption of future technologies.

During UMEX and SimTEX 2026, ITC will present its work in autonomous vehicle deployment, advanced air mobility initiatives and smart transport systems. ITC will also take part in the Commercial Conference, sharing insights on regulations and policies shaping the future of autonomous systems.

With global companies, experts and decision-makers expected to attend, UMEX and SimTEX 2026 aim to promote collaboration, highlight emerging trends and help shape the future of unmanned and autonomous technologies worldwide.