Abu Dhabi military event gathers 34 nations

The UAE Capital is all set to host one of the world's largest military and armed forces event, gathering 34 nations and a whopping 122 entities under one roof.
The Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (Umex) and Simulation Exhibition and Conference (SimTex) will be held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre ADNEC from February 25 to 27 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
Ahead of the mega-event, Brigadier General Rashid Mohammed Al Shamsi, chairman of the higher organising committee of UMEX and SimTEX 2018, said this year's exhibition will be the largest one yet and it will shed light on scientific and technological progress and innovation in the country.
"The UAE has evolved into a unique development model across diverse economic and social sectors within a record time, becoming an oasis of security and stability in a region that has witnessed incessant turmoil for too long."
Brigadier General Al Shamsi added that the dual event will allow the participants to explore the latest innovations in unmanned systems, and simulation and training technologies.
"Catering to the military and strategic needs of our armed forces, Umex and SimTEX 2018 will include a specialised conference themed 'Focusing Next-Generation Technologies on Tomorrow's Threats.'
"The conference will discuss key topics related to unmanned systems, simulation and training, such as identifying future equipment and training requirements, and optimising simulation and training capabilities using future technologies."
Major Pilot Saeed Mohamed Al Yammahi, official spokesperson of the event8, told Khaleej Times 34 countries are taking part in this year's event, registering 24 per cent increase.
He added that the number of companies participating has also surged, from 91 in 2016 to 122 in 2018, accounting for 25 per cent growth.
Saeed bin Khadem Al Mansouri, director of Idex, said that the number of companies participating in the live demonstrations of unmanned systems staged at Al Ain Airport has increased by 100 per cent. Ali Al Yafei, CEO of Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments (ADASI) said the that ADASI will participate in the live demonstrations on the third day of the exhibition through showcasing S100 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems at Al Ain airport.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com