International Defense Conference 2026 to Focus on Intelligent Autonomy in Abu Dhabi

The International Defense Conference (IDC) 2026 will be held on January 19, 2026, at the ADNEC Center Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The conference will take place a day before the launch of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference and Simulation and Training Exhibition 2026.

Organised by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the Tawazun Council for Defense Enablement and the Ministry of Defence, IDC 2026 will be held under the theme “Smart Horizons: Redefining Defense Through Intelligent Autonomy.”

The conference will bring together global defence and security leaders to discuss how artificial intelligence and autonomous systems are transforming defence capabilities and the global security landscape. Discussions will focus on the opportunities and challenges of intelligent systems, as well as the importance of cooperation and resilient defence ecosystems.

Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of Tawazun Council, said the conference comes at a crucial time as the defence sector undergoes rapid change driven by AI and autonomous technologies. He highlighted IDC’s role as a platform for sharing expertise, building partnerships, and strengthening defence readiness and technological self-reliance.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said IDC 2026, held alongside UMEX and SimTEX, will support global innovation in unmanned and autonomous systems by bringing together leaders, innovators and policymakers to address future defence challenges.

IDC 2026 will feature three main panel discussions. The first will focus on future command networks and how AI-powered systems are reshaping defence command and communication. The second panel will examine the integration of autonomous and unmanned systems into joint military operations across land, air, sea and cyber domains. The final session will discuss global standards for autonomy, with an emphasis on trust, safety and international cooperation.

Held ahead of UMEX and SimTEX 2026, the International Defense Conference aims to help shape a safer and more secure future through dialogue, innovation and collaboration.