UAE’s EDGE Group Showcases Advanced Defense Manufacturing at “Build it in the Emirates 2026”
ABU DHABI — The UAE’s EDGE Group, a leading advanced technology and defense conglomerate, has taken center stage at the “Make it in the Emirates 2026” exhibition, demonstrating the country’s rapid strides in sovereign defense manufacturing and industrial self-sufficiency. As a key enabler of the UAE’s strategic vision to localize critical industries, EDGE’s participation underscores its role in driving the nation’s defense sector toward greater autonomy, innovation, and economic diversification.
The event, held in Abu Dhabi, has become a pivotal platform for showcasing the UAE’s industrial ambitions, particularly in high-tech sectors like defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. EDGE’s presence at the exhibition highlights its commitment to localizing supply chains, fostering national talent, and aligning with the UAE’s broader economic goals, including the “Operation 300bn” initiative, which aims to elevate the industrial sector’s contribution to the national economy to AED 300 billion (approximately $81.7 billion) by 2031.
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, emphasized the company’s long-term commitment to building a sovereign defense industry. “Developing a sovereign defense industry requires sustained, strategic focus,” Al Marar said in a statement. “Our unwavering dedication over the years has strengthened our national readiness, enhanced our resilience, and enabled us to scale our manufacturing capabilities to meet large-scale sovereign defense needs.” His remarks reflect the UAE’s broader push to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and establish a robust, homegrown defense ecosystem.
EDGE’s Milestones in Localization and Innovation
EDGE Group’s achievements in 2025 have been instrumental in positioning the UAE as a regional leader in defense manufacturing. According to company disclosures, EDGE generated AED 596 million ($162.4 million) in local added value in 2025, a testament to its success in integrating domestic suppliers and manufacturers into its production processes. The company also secured $7.96 billion in new orders during the same year, bringing its total backlog to $20.4 billion, a clear indicator of its growing influence in the global defense market.
One of EDGE’s most notable accomplishments is its progress in localizing production. The company revealed that over 80% of its systems are now manufactured within the UAE, a significant leap toward achieving full industrial sovereignty. This shift not only strengthens the UAE’s defense capabilities but also creates high-skilled jobs and fosters technological transfer, aligning with the nation’s vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy.
To support this growth, EDGE has invested heavily in workforce development. Through its BRIDGE training center, the company has trained 5,276 specialists in advanced technologies, equipping them with the skills needed to drive innovation in defense and other high-tech industries. The center, which has earned multiple awards for its contributions to national talent development, plays a critical role in ensuring the UAE’s defense sector remains competitive and future-ready.
Alignment with National Industrial Strategies
EDGE’s participation in “Make it in the Emirates 2026” is closely tied to the UAE’s broader industrial strategies, particularly the “Make it in the Emirates” initiative. Launched to boost local manufacturing and attract foreign investment, the initiative has become a cornerstone of the UAE’s economic diversification efforts. The 2026 edition of the exhibition is expected to be the largest yet, with thousands of investors, manufacturers, and industry leaders from around the world converging in Abu Dhabi to explore opportunities in the UAE’s industrial sector.
In a related development, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum recently approved a series of measures to enhance the country’s industrial resilience. Among these is the establishment of a AED 1 billion ($272 million) National Fund for Industrial Resilience, designed to support the localization of critical industries, strengthen supply chain security, and accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence in manufacturing. The fund is part of a broader package of initiatives aimed at increasing the presence of UAE-made products in government procurement and digital marketplaces, further incentivizing local production.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid described the measures as a “confirmation of the leadership’s vision to establish a more resilient and sustainable national industrial model.” The decisions also include expanding the National In-Country Value (ICV) Program, making it mandatory for all federal government entities and national companies to prioritize local suppliers, and manufacturers. This policy shift is expected to create a ripple effect across the economy, driving demand for domestically produced goods and services.
Global Partnerships and Future Outlook
While EDGE has made significant progress in localizing its supply chains, the company continues to expand its network of international partnerships to enhance technology transfer and secure critical capabilities. These collaborations are essential for maintaining the UAE’s competitive edge in defense manufacturing, particularly in areas like unmanned systems, cybersecurity, and advanced materials.
The UAE’s defense sector has seen rapid growth in recent years, with EDGE emerging as a key player in the global market. The company’s portfolio includes a wide range of products, from precision-guided munitions and electronic warfare systems to autonomous vehicles and AI-driven solutions. Its success has positioned the UAE as a rising hub for defense innovation, attracting interest from international defense contractors and governments seeking to collaborate on cutting-edge technologies.
Looking ahead, EDGE’s focus on innovation and localization is expected to play a pivotal role in the UAE’s broader economic transformation. As the country continues to invest in high-tech industries, the defense sector will remain a critical driver of growth, job creation, and technological advancement. The “Make it in the Emirates 2026” exhibition serves as a testament to these efforts, offering a glimpse into the UAE’s vision for a self-reliant, knowledge-driven economy.
What’s Next for the UAE’s Industrial Sector?
The next phase of the UAE’s industrial strategy will likely focus on deepening localization efforts, particularly in sectors deemed critical to national security and economic stability. The expansion of the ICV Program and the launch of the National Fund for Industrial Resilience are expected to accelerate these efforts, creating new opportunities for local manufacturers and suppliers.
For EDGE Group, the coming years will be defined by its ability to balance local production with global partnerships, ensuring that the UAE remains at the forefront of defense innovation. The company’s ongoing investments in research and development, coupled with its commitment to workforce training, will be key to sustaining its growth and maintaining its competitive edge.
The next major milestone for the UAE’s industrial sector will be the full implementation of the newly approved measures, including the mandatory ICV Program and the rollout of the National Fund for Industrial Resilience. These initiatives are expected to be closely monitored by industry stakeholders, both domestically and internationally, as they could serve as a model for other countries seeking to enhance their industrial sovereignty.
As the “Make it in the Emirates 2026” exhibition continues, industry leaders and policymakers will be watching closely to see how these strategies unfold and what they mean for the future of the UAE’s economy. For now, EDGE’s achievements serve as a powerful example of what can be accomplished through strategic vision, long-term investment, and a commitment to innovation.
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