Why it matters
UMEX is the primary procurement and partnership gateway for unmanned systems in the MENA region, attracting hundreds of military delegations and government buyers with real acquisition authority. For SMEs and startups, the dedicated 'Elevate' investor summit and commercial zone provide direct access to venture capital and regional government customers in one of the world's fastest-growing UAS markets. The Tawazun Council's on-site deal-signing (AED 3.6 billion in 2026) makes it a high-stakes commercial event where contracts are actually concluded on the floor.
About
UMEX is the world's largest dedicated exhibition and conference for unmanned and autonomous systems, held biennially in Abu Dhabi. The event covers defence and commercial applications across air, land, maritime, and space domains, featuring UAVs, UGVs, USVs, robotics, AI, and simulation technologies. It runs alongside SimTEX (Simulation and Training Exhibition) and an International Defence Conference (IDC), with live demonstrations at both ADNEC and the Tilal Swaihan outdoor arena. First held independently from IDEX in 2015, UMEX is organised by ADNEC Group in association with the UAE Ministry of Defence and the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement.
Market intel
High pricinghigh confidence
UMEX 2026 was the seventh and largest edition in the event's history, setting records across all key metrics including visitors, exhibitors, and deal value. The 2026 show generated AED 3.6 billion in deals through the Tawazun Council, a 20% increase over 2024, with 45% national and 55% international exhibitor participation. The next edition is confirmed for 7–9 March 2028 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
Notable exhibitorsEDGE Group (UAE)Milrem Robotics (Estonia)Shield AI (USA)General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (USA)NORINCO (China)LODD Autonomous (UAE)Joby Aviation (USA)Tawazun Council / International Golden Group (UAE)
AI-researched Wed, 2 September 2026. Estimates from public sources. Verify with the organizer.
Topics
UAS / DronesAutonomy & RoboticsAIISR & SensorsSimulation & Training
Who it's for
PrimesSMEsStartupsInvestorsInstitutions