ADNEC Group Briefs Diplomats on Preparations for UMEX and SimTEX 2026

ADNEC Group, in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence, held a briefing for representatives of diplomatic missions to outline preparations for the largest-ever edition of UMEX and SimTEX 2026, along with the International Defence Conference.

The events will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the ADNEC Abu Dhabi Centre from January 20 to 22.

ADNEC Group is organizing the Unmanned Systems Exhibition (UMEX) and the Simulation and Training Exhibition (SimTEX) in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Empowerment Balance Council, with support from the Council for Intelligent Autonomous Systems. The events are held in strategic partnership with EDGE Group and Abu Dhabi Mobility. This edition is expected to see record participation from leading international companies, along with senior decision-makers and industry experts.

Brigadier General Mohammed Obaid Al-Marshudi, Chairman of the Organising Committee, said unmanned systems have become vital for international peace and security and also play a growing role in economic development. He noted that their applications now extend beyond defence to include commercial and civilian uses.

Al-Marshudi added that UMEX and SimTEX provide a global platform to showcase the latest technologies in unmanned systems, simulation, training, robotics and artificial intelligence. The exhibitions bring together global industry leaders to discuss the future of these fast-growing sectors and their impact on civil and commercial industries.

He also said the exhibitions will welcome official delegations, decision-makers and specialists, while offering startups opportunities to connect with local and international partners, build strategic partnerships, and attract investment.

The International Defence Conference will take place on January 19 under the theme “Smart Horizons: Towards a Defence Future Led by Unmanned Systems.” The conference is expected to attract more than 700 senior leaders and experts to discuss key regional and global challenges, as well as the latest innovations and their use in both defence and civilian sectors.

Hamid Matar Al Dhaheri, CEO of ADNEC Group, said the seventh edition of UMEX and SimTEX reflects ADNEC’s vision to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for major exhibitions and conferences. He said the 2026 edition is the largest since the event began in 2015, in terms of exhibition space, number of participants and range of sectors.

Al Dhaheri highlighted that the exhibitions will feature advanced technologies in unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, simulation and training, with applications in areas such as smart agriculture, healthcare, logistics, smart cities, sustainable energy and infrastructure.