UMEX and SimTEX 2018 Begin in Abu Dhabi

By Editor 27-Feb-2018

The third editions of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX 2018) and Simulation Exhibition and Conference (SimTEX 2018) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre has begun. Lt General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Abu Dhabi inaugurated the dual event. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the co-located events run until 27 February 2018. 

UMEX and SimTEX 2018 have attracted a record international participation from major global defence-related companies representing 34 countries compared to 23 countries in 2016, registering a 24% growth. In addition to offering a combined exhibition area of 17,000 square metres, up from 13,000 in 2016, the dual event has attracted 122 companies, compared to 91 companies in 2016, representing a 25% overall growth.

Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bawardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs; Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy & Industry; Falah Al Ahbabi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC); Eng. Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, Chairman of the Department of Energy; Lieutenant General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces; Brigadier General Rashid Mohammed Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of UMEX and SimTEX 2018; and Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, CEO of ADNEC Group also attended the opening ceremony.

UMEX and SimTEX 2018 included a specialised conference themed ‘Focusing Next-Generation Technologies on Tomorrow’s Threats’. Set to draw the participation of leading local and international military experts, academics, industry professionals and decision makers, the conference featured several sessions to identify the emerging trends, issues and threats in unmanned systems sector. It also highlighted operational capabilities, theoretical aspects and innovative concepts across defence and commercial applications of simulations and training technologies.

The conference featured three sessions. The first session was themed ‘Increase Inter-operability of Unmanned Systems in Multi-Domain Environments’ and outline the latest technological concepts to leverage the enormous potential of unmanned systems in supporting future operations across varied civilian and military sectors.

Held under the theme ‘Integrating Unmanned Systems into Defence Mechanism’, the second session discussed the need to strike a balance between live demonstrations that feature realistic scenarios and interactive trainings through facilitating a real-life simulation technology environment at a lower cost in order to achieve positive outcomes.

A third session, themed ‘Leveraging the Simulation Industry to Maximise Training Objectives’, featured a dialogue on global markets, competitive environments and future requirements. It highlighted the potential challenges and opportunities in unmanned systems and simulation and training through attracting expert assistance, industries and professionals. It further examined the key characteristics of the training environment, its high degree of competitiveness, its integration of evolving trends and the latest ideas in shaping strategies, tactics, operations and other vital aspects.

Brigadier General Rashid Mohammed Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of UMEX and SimTEX 2018, said: “The unprecedented international participation in UMEX and SimTEX 2018 reflect the growing significance of this mega dual event at the regional and international levels. The considerable achievements recorded by the events have been made possible due to the unwavering support of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the sustained follow-up and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates,” he said

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, CEO of ADNEC Group, said: “UMEX and SimTEX 2018 articulate ADNEC’s strategy to attract a diversified portfolio of events that serve the key sectors outlined as priorities in Abu Dhabi Plan and Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, and increase the direct and indirect contribution of the MICE sector to the emirate’s economy. The strong interest generated by UMEX and SimTEX among the participants validates the success of our promotional campaigns and long-term marketing strategy to promote the dual event at leading specialised defence shows globally.”