As the contemporary security and military landscape undergoes a profound technological transformation, power is no longer measured solely by the size of arsenals or troop numbers. Instead, it is increasingly defined by the intelligence, precision, and seamless integration of systems—particularly the synergy between humans and machines. Within this evolving paradigm, unmanned systems and advanced simulation and training solutions have emerged as foundational pillars of modern defence capability development.
Unmanned Systems: Intelligent Efficiency and Operational Advantage
Unmanned systems have fundamentally reshaped the conduct of security and military operations. Their ability to execute complex missions in high-risk environments without exposing personnel to direct danger has redefined operational concepts. As these systems continue to evolve—integrating artificial intelligence, data analytics, and autonomous decision-support capabilities—they are now able to perform persistent surveillance, intelligence gathering, and operational support, and in some cases actively participate in field missions with varying levels of autonomy.
This technological evolution has not merely introduced new tools; it has transformed operational philosophy itself. The focus has shifted from traditional command-and-control models to managing intelligent, networked systems capable of rapid adaptation to dynamic and complex threat environments.
Simulation and Training: Completing the Innovation Cycle
As reliance on advanced unmanned platforms grows, so too does the need to prepare human operators capable of managing and exploiting these technologies to their full potential. Simulation and training systems, therefore, represent an indispensable complement to technological innovation. No matter how advanced a system may be, its effectiveness ultimately depends on human understanding, decision-making, and performance under pressure.
Modern simulation platforms provide realistic training environments that allow complex scenarios to be tested, outcomes analysed, and lessons learned—without human or material cost. This significantly enhances operational readiness while raising professional standards across defence and security institutions.
Human–Machine Integration as a Strategic Imperative
Beyond individual skill development, simulation and training play a critical role in building integrated operational ecosystems. They enable joint training between manned and unmanned platforms, multi-domain operations management, and coordinated decision-making across interconnected systems. This integration improves response times, planning accuracy, and execution effectiveness, while giving decision-makers clearer situational awareness in increasingly complex operational theatres.
Innovation Platforms and Future Outlook
Against this backdrop of rapid technological advancement, specialised defence exhibitions have become strategic venues for showcasing innovation, exchanging expertise, and anticipating future operational concepts. These platforms go beyond product display; they contribute to shaping new doctrines of operation and training, promote standardisation, and enhance interoperability among diverse systems—supporting long-term security and stability objectives.
UMEX and SIMTEX 2026: A Strategic Milestone
The convergence of unmanned systems with advanced simulation and training reflects a clear strategic direction towards smarter, more agile security and defence forces. This approach enhances operational efficiency, safeguards human resources, and builds capability on solid scientific and technological foundations aligned with future requirements.
Within this context, UMEX (Unmanned Systems Exhibition) and SIMTEX (Simulation and Training Exhibition) 2026 stand out as landmark events on the global defence and security calendar. Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs and Chairman of the Autonomous Intelligent Systems Council, the exhibitions underscore their growing strategic importance and role in advancing integrated, technology-driven defence ecosystems.
Organised by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council, and in strategic partnership with EDGE Group and Abu Dhabi Mobility, UMEX and SIMTEX 2026 will take place from 20 to 22 January 2026 at ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi. The event will feature broad participation from leading local, regional, and international companies specialising in unmanned systems, simulation, training, and advanced defence, security, civil, and commercial technologies.
UMEX and SIMTEX 2026: A Strategic Milestone for the Defence and Security Sector
The integration of unmanned systems with advanced simulation and training solutions reflects a clear strategic direction towards building smarter and more agile security and military forces—capable of addressing contemporary challenges through advanced tools and highly trained human capital. As innovation accelerates and technologies continue to evolve, this approach is gaining momentum as a practical model for a new operational era, one defined by higher efficiency, the protection of human personnel, and capability development grounded in robust scientific and technological foundations aligned with future requirements.
Against the backdrop of rapid technological transformation and the growing prominence of intelligent systems as a decisive factor in shaping modern security and defence concepts, specialised exhibitions have emerged as strategic platforms for innovation, knowledge exchange, and forward-looking development. Within this context, the Unmanned Systems Exhibition (UMEX) and the Simulation and Training Exhibition (SIMTEX) 2026 stand out as a pivotal milestone on the global defence and security industry agenda.
Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs and Chairman of the Autonomous Intelligent Systems Council, UMEX and SIMTEX 2026 underscore their advanced standing and strategic role in supporting national and regional priorities focused on adopting cutting-edge technologies and building integrated ecosystems that combine intelligent operations with specialised training.
The exhibitions are organised by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council for Defence Empowerment, with strategic partnership from EDGE Group and Abu Dhabi Mobility. UMEX and SIMTEX 2026 will take place from 20 to 22 January 2026 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, with broad participation from leading local, regional, and international companies and institutions specialising in unmanned systems, simulation, training, and advanced civil, commercial, defence, and security technologies.
The World’s Leading Unmanned Systems Event
UMEX 2026 serves as the centrepiece of this ecosystem, recognised as the world’s largest dedicated event for unmanned and autonomous systems and the only exhibition in the Middle East exclusively focused on accelerating their development and adoption. In its seventh edition, UMEX will bring together global leaders, policymakers, industry pioneers, and innovators from more than 40 countries, featuring over 300 exhibitors and more than 260 official delegations.
The exhibition will showcase the latest advancements in unmanned aerial systems, ground and maritime platforms, robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous operations—highlighting their defence and security applications alongside growing civil, commercial, and logistics use cases. Dedicated zones will cover defence-focused technologies, AI-enabled tactical systems, and commercial applications in smart mobility, modern cities, energy, and future supply chains.
UMEX 2026 will also feature four live demonstration arenas, offering real-world operational showcases, alongside a comprehensive knowledge programme of technical and business conferences, expert panels, and future-focused discussions. Competitive events and advanced technology challenges—including the A2RL Drone Challenge—will further push the boundaries of autonomous flight, AI development, and real-world problem-solving.
SIMTEX 2026: Empowering Human Capital
Complementing this technological momentum, SIMTEX 2026 will focus on human capability development through advanced virtual and digital training solutions. The exhibition emphasises readiness enhancement, skills development, and operational proficiency—ensuring that human operators remain fully equipped to manage increasingly sophisticated systems.
By integrating UMEX’s technological innovation with SIMTEX’s human-centred training solutions, the two exhibitions together present a forward-looking model for accelerating innovation, strengthening international cooperation, and advancing unmanned and autonomous systems ecosystems worldwide.
Building on Proven Success
The previous UMEX and SIMTEX 2024 editions concluded with remarkable success, recording commercial deals exceeding AED 2.9 billion—an increase of approximately 45% compared to the preceding edition. The events also attracted high-level decision-makers and specialists from around the world, while supporting start-ups and national talent through initiatives such as the UMEX Next Gen programme and specialised technology competitions.
A Distinguished Trajectory of Growth
Building on this strong foundation, expectations for UMEX and SIMTEX 2026 point to even greater achievements, including expanded international participation, increased strategic partnerships, and the introduction of new technologies in artificial intelligence, robotics, and training simulation. Enhanced live demonstrations and technical challenges are set to further elevate the event’s role as a key platform for shaping the future of unmanned systems and intelligent training.
Ultimately, UMEX and SIMTEX 2026 embody a strategic vision aimed at enabling defence and security sectors to adapt to future challenges—strengthening the integration of advanced technologies with highly skilled human capital in military, security, and civil domains alike.
