Why defence sector paves the way to a new economy

For the UAE, innovation is not a mere buzzword, but a driving force that shapes its development ambitions. This is especially evident in the way the country nurtures its defence sector.

A close look at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and Naval Defence & Maritime Exhibition (NAVDEX) helps understand how this sector is paving the way for the future of defence technologies while creating opportunities for every key sector, including small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to grow, reflecting the nation’s commitment to holistic progress through innovation.

Organised by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and with the Tawazun Council, the exhibition, held biennially in the capital, Abu Dhabi, has become instrumental in promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing, eventually extending its impact beyond the defence arena, advancing the development of sustainable solutions that align with the UAE’s vision for a diversified and innovation-driven economy, encapsulated in ‘We the UAE 2031’ which translates the future vision of the UAE into a tangible reality.

For more than 30 years, IDEX and NAVDEX have brought together industry stakeholders from around the world to share the platform, helping position the country as a leader in defence technologies, focusing on ingenuity and sustainability. More importantly, by enabling companies of all sizes to showcase their capabilities, it creates an opportunity for smaller players to work with bigger counterparts, secure funding, explore research options and build long-term partnerships.

International Golden Group, the UAE company specialising in integrated security solutions for the government sector, offers a perfect example. Its innovative products, including advanced surveillance systems and cutting-edge armour protection, garnered attention at previous IDEX exhibitions, which helped IGG – a relatively young enterprise – to grow its reputation and leverage the exposure offered by IDEX to expand its reach into global markets.

Last year, a 65 per cent stake in the company was acquired by Edge Group, while it formed a joint venture with Safran Electronics & Defense in 2023. With the Emirates aiming to build a diversified economy, it seeks to leverage innovative defence technology to also benefit key sectors such as renewable energy, water management, and healthcare, effectively addressing major global challenges through sustainable solutions.

Thus, MBZ-SAT, the region’s most advanced satellite developed by Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, provides crucial data to address issues such as climate change and natural disasters, contributing to global sustainability efforts while strengthening national security, reflecting the nation’s ability to harness cutting-edge technology for peaceful purposes. By aligning defence technologies with space exploration and broader development objectives, the nation continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in an expansive area.

Tru to the country’s ethos, the UAE company AeroTech which designed and manufactured UAV systems initially for surveillance and reconnaissance tasks in defence, has been adapted for disaster management, search and rescue operations, and environmental monitoring. AeroTech’s UAVs are also employed in agricultural research for crop monitoring and irrigation management, while armoured transport and surveillance technologies developed by Transguard are being adapted for civilian use, including secure transport of valuables and surveillance in sensitive areas such as airports, banks, and government buildings, as well as in disaster response efforts.

Events such as IDEX and NAVDEX play a critical role in driving the development of such multipurpose technologies. By facilitating collaboration, exchanging knowledge and connecting local and global stakeholders, these exhibitions accelerate innovation and create solutions that extend beyond defence to impact critical sectors such as sustainability, disaster management, and public safety.

This holistic approach to innovation is aligned with Vision 2031 and UAE Centennial 2071, which seek to transform the country into a diversified and technology-driven economy through strategic partnerships and investments, enabling local companies to expand their footprint in the defence sector, while contributing to sustainable, civilian-centric solutions that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

In this spirit, the Emirates is positioning itself at the forefront of technological advancements with a focus on global sustainability, environmental responsibility, and social well-being. By aligning its defence innovations with peaceful applications and sustainable practices, the country continues to prove that the future of defence is not merely about security, but also about driving positive change worldwide.

As IDEX and NAVDEX focus on the future, they will continue to serve as a unified platform for technological advancement, empowering SMEs, and reinforcing the UAE’s role as a global leader in defence and sustainable innovation alike.

* The colocated IDEX and NAVDEX shows take place at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi on February 17 to 21.