The International Defense Conference kicks off in Abu Dhabi tomorrow with the participation of 700 defense leaders and official delegations

Abu Dhabi, 18 January / WAM / The International Defense Conference, the event accompanying the activities of the seventh edition of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition (UMEX) and Simulation and Training Exhibition (SIMTEX) 2026, will start tomorrow, which will be held from January 20 to 22 at the ADNEC Center Abu Dhabi, with the participation of innovators, decision makers, and leaders of the civil, commercial, and defense sectors from around the world.

The International Defense Conference paves the way for the two events one day before and brings together an elite group of senior leaders and experts to anticipate the future of unmanned systems and the uses of artificial intelligence in the defense and cybersecurity sectors, forming the leading global platform for defense and security leaders to discuss the most pressing challenges and opportunities that shape the future of the defense sector.

This year, the conference will be held under the slogan “Smart Horizons: Redefining the Defense Sector’s Independence through Artificial Intelligence Applications” and presents a pivotal agenda centered around interconnected topics that reflect the evolving landscape of modern defense, including digital command networks, integrating autonomous systems into operations, and developing global standards for unmanned systems, simulation and training.

These themes highlight a defense environment in which artificial intelligence technologies and autonomous systems are no longer merely technical developments, but rather real transformative forces, with the adoption of new methods of leadership, operational integration, and international cooperation, all based on trust, ethical responsibility, and solid standards.

More than 700 international defense leaders, military attaches and official delegations are participating in the conference, who are meeting to communicate with an elite group of specialists and industry leaders from around the world, and benefit from practical insights provided by global experts through three specialized discussion sessions, in addition to learning about the latest innovations and strategies that are reshaping the future of global defense.

Following the conclusion of the International Defense Conference, the activities of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition (UMEX) and Simulation and Training Exhibition (SIMTEX) will be launched. This year’s edition represents the largest edition since the launch of the two exhibitions in 2015, with record participation from major international institutions, government and private agencies, and research institutions.

The UMEX and SimTEX exhibitions have become the most prominent global platform for unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, simulation, and training, and the expansion of their space and the enhancement of the accompanying benefits reflect the ADNEC Group’s commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi’s vision as a global center for innovation and business tourism.

This year’s edition will showcase a variety of commercial, civil and defense technologies, including advanced drones, autonomous vehicles, interactive simulation platforms, and artificial intelligence-based training systems.

These innovations are expected to contribute to radical transformations in sectors such as smart agriculture, healthcare, logistics, and infrastructure over the coming decades.

A group of new and pioneering events will contribute to improving the visitor experience, including the Autonomous Drone Racing League Championship, and live performances in the Sweihan Hills area and the ADNEC Center Abu Dhabi, which will provide direct access to the latest unmanned and autonomous systems in realistic operational scenarios, in addition to expanding the scope of sector coverage and allocating separate areas for commercial and defense applications, providing a launching pad for emerging talents and innovative solutions of the new generation.

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