Skip to content
MIKES
Middle EastTrade shows & exhibitions

7–9 Mar 2028

Unmanned Systems Exhibition & Conference (UMEX)

ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi · Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Unmanned Systems Exhibition & Conference (UMEX) venue
Dates
Tue, 7 March 2028 – Thu, 9 March 2028
Venue
ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
Location
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Organizer
ADNEC Group (Capital Events)
Cost
free
Scale
major
Recurrence
biennial
Format
On-site

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 exhibitors
EDGE 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

Related events

Compare these

Intersec Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires / Argentina

As the only integrated security trade fair in Argentina and the most important in South America, Intersec Buenos Aires is the primary gateway for defence-adjacent suppliers — including surveillance, access control, fire protection, and cyber-physical security vendors — to access the Argentine and broader Latin American market. With ~120 exhibitors representing 180+ brands and ~16,000 qualified professional visitors, it offers direct access to procurement decision-makers from industry, government, and infrastructure operators. For SMEs and startups, the co-located technical conferences and exhibitor conference programme provide a cost-effective platform for brand positioning and lead generation in a high-growth regional market.

Trade shows & exhibitionsSouth AmericaRegional (500–2,000)Mid budgetPrimesSMEs+2
freeSee details

Security Exhibition & Conference

Sydney / Australia

As the premier security marketplace in the Asia-Pacific region, this event is the primary venue for global security suppliers to launch products into the Australian market and engage directly with integrators, consultants, government buyers, and critical-infrastructure end users. The co-location with Integrate and Fire Security Expo expands the addressable buyer pool to ~14,500 professionals across converging physical, cyber, fire, and AV sectors. For SMEs and startups, it is the most cost-efficient route to the Australian security procurement community, with free visitor registration and a sold-out floor plan signalling strong buyer intent.

Trade shows & exhibitionsAustralia & OceaniaMajor (2,000–10,000)Mid budgetPrimesSMEs+2
freeSee details

China (Xi'an) Advanced Manufacturing and Digital Industry Expo & Defense Science and Technology Industry Expo

Xi'an / China

Xi'an hosts China's densest concentration of state-owned defense primes and research institutes, making this expo one of the few accessible venues in western China where suppliers can engage directly with aerospace, ordnance, and defense-electronics procurement chains. For SMEs and dual-use technology firms, the military-civil integration forums and project roadshow sessions provide structured pathways into PLA and state-enterprise supply chains. The event's scale — targeting 50,000+ professional visitors and 1,500+ exhibitors — and its government guidance from provincial defense-industry authorities signal genuine procurement and partnership intent rather than a purely promotional showcase.

Trade shows & exhibitionsChinaGlobal (10,000+)Mid budgetPrimesSMEs+1
freeSee details