During the first day of the exhibition, the Ministry of Defence signed three deals with local and international companies with a total value of more than AED 654.6 million, distributed among contracts for local companies with a total value of more than AED 649 million, and foreign contracts with a total value exceeding AED 5.597 million. The deals included a deal with International Golden Group to purchase drone systems worth AED 10 million, and another deal with Global Aerospace Logistics to provide technical support, maintenance, repair and spare parts services, with a value of more than AED 639 million. It also included a contract with Denel SOC Ltd, trading as Denel Dynamics in South Africa to provide technical support for aircraft systems with a total value of more than AED 5.597 million.

This year’s edition, which sees the participation of 134 companies from 26 countries, seven of them participating for the first time, has witnessed exceptional and unprecedented growth; the overall space for exhibitors has increased by 25 percent, while new companies participating for the first time make up 36 percent of total exhibitors.

The number of live shows held at Tilal Swaihan area, one of the main activities of the exhibitions, has doubled, with the number of advanced systems showcased in it increasing remarkably, as it is planned for these shows to unveil 22 new technologies and innovative systems that have never been seen before. In a marked development that affirms ADNEC’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship in vital sectors, the fifth edition of the exhibitions will witness the launch of the UMEX & SimTEX platform for start-ups specialising in this sector, which seeks to empower these start-ups and shed light on their innovations.

Major General Dr. Mubarak Saeed Ghafan Al Jabri, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee for UMEX & SimTEX 2022 and the accompanying conference, said, "This strategic event specialising in unmanned systems, and training and simulation systems, is the only one of its kind in the region, as it plays a pivotal role in supporting the United Arab Emirates’ efforts for consolidating its global leading position by utilising innovations to bolster the economy and national and regional stability. This event is held at a time when we are witnessing global challenges and conditions, shedding light on the UAE’s abilities for organising a strategic event of this importance in the advanced technology and defence industries sector."

"The exhibitions provide a platform for pioneering experiences that strengthen the UAE’s efforts for showcasing the latest innovations in unmanned systems, supporting its mission of developing national capabilities which empower and support the UAE’s ability to confront challenges of all kinds, placing us among the leading countries that play a pivotal role on regional and international levels. We look forward to the success of this exceptional edition and building upon the success of previous editions," he added.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) and its group of subsidiaries, said, "This event is considered one of the strategic events that contribute to supporting national efforts to diversify the national economy in line with the goals and aspirations of our wise leadership, and enhances the prestige of our leadership. UMEX and SimTEX augment Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a leading global centre for innovation and technology."

Al Dhaheri added, "UMEX and SimTEX 2022 are distinguished for their leadership positions on the agenda of events, exhibitions and conferences organised by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company aimed at consolidating the presence of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as the capital of the business and leisure tourism sectors in the region."

Al Dhaheri expressed his pride in the ADNEC team, who demonstrated their exceptional capabilities and extensive experience in implementing a global event of this importance, as well as the flexibility of the company's facilities to support the event in all its details.

Seven new countries are participating in the current edition of the exhibitions: Bahrain, Israel, Serbia, Austria, Bulgaria, Malta, and Turkey, in addition to two new international pavilions: the Israeli and Ukrainian pavilions. The event’s activities include the 15 live shows, which will be held on Wednesday, 23rd February, in the Tilal Swaihan area, during which several new and innovative technologies and systems will be unveiled.

ADNEC rallied its resources and work teams to organise and host an exceptional edition of UMEX & SimTEX 2022, taking all the measures and procedures, which reflect its constant commitment and keenness to protect the health and safety of participants and guests. Its work teams, in cooperation with health and supervisory establishments in the state, applied a wide range of precautionary measures and procedures during the exhibitions and the accompanying conference to ensure the safety of visitors and participants and make sure that the event is held in a healthy and safe environment.