UMEX and SimTEX 2026 events kick off in Abu Dhabi

The seventh session of the Unmanned Systems (UMEX) and Simulation and Training (SIMTEX) exhibitions kicked off this morning in Abu Dhabi, as it is the only platform of its kind in the Middle East region for unmanned systems, robotics, simulation and training technologies.

The current session witnesses an unprecedented expansion in the scale of participation and scope of events, along with an increasing focus on commercial and civil applications of these technologies, in addition to defense uses.

It witnesses wide participation from national and international companies, showcasing the latest technologies in artificial intelligence, robotics, and unmanned systems in multiple operating environments.

The two exhibitions highlight advanced national capabilities in the fields of unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, simulation, training, and the expansion of civil and commercial uses of these activities, in a clear indication of the accelerated growth of national industries in this strategic sector.

The number of exhibiting companies and brands increased to 375 companies and brands, an increase of 74% compared to the last session, while the number of participating countries increased by 9% to reach 38 countries, including 10 new countries participating for the first time.

The Emirati pavilion is the largest participating pavilion in the two exhibitions, followed by the Chinese pavilion and then the American pavilion. National companies represent 45% of the total number of companies, while the percentage of international companies reached 55%, which reflects the importance of these events and their vital role in supporting the development of national industries, enhancing their competitiveness and ability to access international markets, establishing partnerships and localizing knowledge in the country.

The events will witness the launch of a series of specialized discussion and dialogue sessions in the sector of commercial uses of unmanned systems under the title “The Future of Mobility Through Autonomous Systems,” in addition to a specialized exhibition area that highlights the rapid expansion of applications of unmanned systems across key sectors including logistics services, energy, utilities, smart cities, and public safety.

As part of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition (UMEX) 2026, the first Unmanned Aircraft Racing Championship (A2RL) will be held, for the first time in the history of the exhibition, which is organized by the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC).

The two exhibitions witness the organization of live demonstrations of unmanned systems in Sweihan Hills, attracting the participation of 22 international companies specialized in the sector, showcasing the latest technologies in artificial intelligence, robotics, and unmanned systems in multiple operating environments.