Launching the Drone Challenge in partnership between the EDGE Group and the UAE Ministry of Defence

The EDGE Group, one of the most prominent global groups in advanced technology and defense, in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense of the United Arab Emirates, announced the launch of the “Drone Challenge,” with the aim of discovering and accelerating the development of national talent skills in the field of artificial intelligence solutions for drones.

The challenge will be held during the UMEX 2026 exhibition, scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi from January 20 to 22, 2026, where Emirati citizens aged 18 years and above will have the opportunity to compete within teams of two to three people, and by implementing a series of programming tasks that demonstrate the highest levels of precision and innovation.

This challenge aims to hone the skills of the next generation of Emirati programmers, by providing a practical platform for developing safe and flexible software solutions based on artificial intelligence. It also gives participants the opportunity to interact with an audience specialized in drone technologies and systems and cybersecurity.

This initiative also embodies the shared vision between the EDGE Group and the Ministry of Defense in investing in national human capital, by empowering talented Emirati talent with advanced digital and programming capabilities that contribute to enhancing national security readiness and supporting the knowledge economy of the UAE.

Those wishing to participate can submit their applications via the website dedicated to the challenge, before the registration deadline on November 30, 2025. The website contains all the details related to the participation criteria and the application mechanism.

This challenge is the latest development within the framework of the ongoing strategic partnership between the EDGE Group and the UAE Ministry of Defence, and is in line with the “50 Principles” launched by the UAE government, which confirm that investing in human capital and developing high-level national capabilities represent the primary driver of future growth.