Abu dhabi: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs and Chairman of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, the largest-ever editions of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition (UMEX), Simulation and Training Exhibition (SimTEX), and the accompanying International Defence Conference (IDC) will take place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 20th to 22nd January 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event is organised by ADNEC Group, a Modon company, in association with the Ministry of Defence and the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, supported by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, with EDGE Group as strategic partner and in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Mobility. UMEX and SimTEX 2026 are the first exhibitions of their kind in the Middle East, dedicated to unmanned systems, robotics, simulation, and training technologies.
The seventh edition will see unprecedented growth in both participation and scope, with a particular focus on the applications of these technologies across the commercial, civil, and defence sectors. The 2026 edition brings together distinguished local and global experts, as well as leading national and international companies, demonstrating the UAE’s advanced capabilities in unmanned systems, AI, simulation, and training.
Brigadier General Mohammed Obaid Al Marshoudi, Chairman of the Organising Committee of UMEX and SimTEX, stated that these exhibitions stand as the region’s most prominent events of their kind for unmanned systems and simulation and training technologies. He highlighted the pivotal role these events play in solidifying the UAE’s global leadership by leveraging cutting-edge innovations that drive economic growth, stability, and both national and regional security.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said that UMEX and SimTEX 2026 are the only events of their kind in the Middle East, attracting a host of prominent local and international companies specialising in unmanned systems for commercial and defence applications across various sectors. He also pointed out that the UAE pavilion is the largest in terms of space, followed by China and the US, with national companies making up 45% of all exhibitors.
UMEX and SimTEX 2026 will feature ‘The Future of Autonomy x ITC,’ a series of expert discussions examining the commercial applications of unmanned systems. The programme includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and technical presentations, highlighting the transformative impact of unmanned systems across urban management sectors.
Defence 4.0, a flagship event at UMEX and SimTEX, will host live discussions under the theme ‘Transforming Tomorrow’s Battlespace,’ offering actionable insights into the technologies driving capability development and the next wave of defence modernisation. The 2026 edition will also introduce the inaugural A2RL Drone Challenge, marking the first drone racing competition at UMEX.
UMEX and SimTEX 2026 will host live demonstrations at Tilal Swaihan, featuring 22 leading international organisations, showcasing the latest advancements in unmanned systems, AI, and robotics across diverse operational environments. By organising these events, ADNEC Group reaffirms its commitment to supporting the UAE’s vision of establishing Abu Dhabi as a global centre for innovation and advanced technologies.