Higher Organising Committee of UMEX and SimTEX 2018 holds

he Higher Organising Committee of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference, UMEX 2018, and the Simulation and Training Exhibition and Conference, SimTEX 2018, held its first coordination meeting at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, ADNEC, to discuss initial preparations and coordinate efforts with various national institutions.

Organised jointly by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company and the General Command of the UAE Armed Forces, the third edition of UMEX and SimTEX 2018 will be held from 25th to 27th February at ADNEC.

Staff Brigadier-General Rashid Mohammed Al Shamsi, Chairman of the events’ higher organising committee, said, "The outstanding success of the previous editions of UMEX and SimTEX will fundamentally drive the Preparatory Committee and all the subcommittees, comprising a prominent group of national institutions from the public and private sectors, to intensify their efforts to sustain and grow the events’ achievements. These continued efforts will help translate the vision of the UAE leadership and support in delivering internationally acclaimed events."

He added,"Over the past few years, the unmanned systems, simulation and training sectors have witnessed rapid growth due to many factors notably regional and international variability, as well as technological advancements and innovations. These new equipment and standards have become the pillars for shaping strategic plans of modern and advanced armies."

Al Shamsi commended the advanced level of the unmanned systems industry in the UAE, expressing his pride in the qualified national capabilities that lead the sector and that are considered an integral part of the UAE’s defence industry. He also highlighted that these capabilities help enhance the country’s competitiveness regionally and internationally.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, said, "We are proud of all the achievements of the previous editions of UMEX and SimTEX. The constant support from our wise leadership, the UAE Armed Forces, the organising committees of both exhibitions, and the collaboration of private and public national entities have underpinned these successes."

He added, "In line with its strategy that aims to enhance the current and future status of all exhibitions and conferences, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company is committed to developing and growing both events. To further reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional capital of business tourism, we are also dedicated to attracting large international events within sectors identified by the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030."

The upcoming edition of UMEX and SimTEX expect an increase in exhibition space, the previous edition of both events witnessed the participation of over 91 national, regional and international exhibitors across 13,000 square metres and generated deals exceeding AED2.45 billion.