19 Feb 15. The defence industries are considered the basic pillars of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. IDEX is a unique platform providing numerous opportunities to represent the growing capacities of the defence and security industries sector, in particular, national companies seeking to consolidate their position on a global level. Approximately 170 Emirati companies specializing in the field of defence industries and services, are participating in IDEX 2015 to exhibit their innovative products that are beyond what is common for serving the community. Multiple trade names have emerged for UAE companies operating in the field of defence industries, to provide their services for both military and civilian sectors, on the local, regional and international levels. Most prominent is Tawazun Holding, established in 2007 as part of the Tawazun Economic Program specialized in economic and industrial investments, overseen by the Tawazun Economic Council. The aim of the program is to create projects through partnerships and investment strategies that provide real added value to the nation’s manufacturing sectors. It focuses on a number of areas, which include: defence, aviation, automotive, ammunition, metals and technology industries. In a short period after its establishment, Tawazun managed to occupy a prestigious position in and out of the UAE, as an industrial investment company. This was achieved through partnerships with a number of international defence contractors, to build skills and gain experiences through developing new products in the UAE. Tawazun follows an investment strategy enabling it to keep up with the rapid evolvement of markets and ensuring a shared drive to create strategic and sustainable projects within the country. The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments Co. (ADASI) is the principal sponsor of the Unmanned System Exhibition (UMEX) at IDEX 2015, as well as the sponsor for the live unmanned systems demonstrations, taking place in the picturesque Western Region of Abu Dhabi. ADASI is considered one of the UAE’s most important companies, operating in the field of defence industries and unmanned systems. The most imperative service provided by ADASI to the Armed Forces is the Al Sabr program, which provides the UAE Air Force with a fleet of autonomous aerial vehicles. The Al Sabr system development was initiated in 2003 to answer a requirement of the UAE Armed Forces. The platform for Al Sabr, the Schiebel Camcopter® S-100 was developed under a Joint Program between the UAE Government and Austria, during the production phase, manufacturing of some of the major components, final assembly and testing took place in the UAE. The Al Sabr system is based on a fully autonomous vertical take-off and landing platform, providing a live video feed within a radius of 180km from the ground control station, as well as an ability to remain airborne for up to 10 hours. The footprint of the system is limited to two trucks (the Ground Control Station and a Transport Vehicle). The Al Sabr system is highly versatile and can be modified to perform a wide scope of activities, such as surveillance and reconnaissance missions, radio and data relay, border security, critical infrastructure monitoring and artillery support. It can also be adapted to operate from different locations such as a fixed central operations center or from a ship.
17 Feb 15. A new report, released by the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, highlights the deepening bilateral defense relationship between the U.S. and U.A.E., and the effectiveness of this partnership to promote regional security and stability. One of the most important bilateral relationships in the world, the U.A.E. and U.S. joint security cooperation is critical to the ongoing battle against violent extremism.
“The steps taken by the U.A.E. over the last 20 years underscores the country’s strategic commitment to becoming a strong and capable leader within the region”
The report, “An Endurin