KEY4 combines the expertise of both organisations to design, produce, and deliver advanced defence and security solutions to local and global customers Abu Dhabi, UAE: 23 July 2025 – EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, and Pavo Group, an Istanbul-based technology company specialising in defence and security, public safety, communications, and digital technologies, have launched KEY4, a groundbreaking joint venture in critical defence and security technologies. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, KEY4 will serve as a platform for the joint development of advanced defence and security solutions supporting both UAE priorities and global partner needs. The announcement was made during a ceremony at the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025, held at the Istanbul Expo Center from 22 to 27 July, and was signed by Omar Al Zaabi, President of Trading & Mission Support at EDGE Group, and Ali Özer, Chief Strategy Officer at Pavo Group. Omar Al Zaabi, President – Trading & Mission Support, EDGE, said: 'KEY4 represents a strategic extension of EDGE's capability to deliver mission-critical, sovereign defence and security solutions in collaboration with trusted international partners. This joint venture reflects our commitment to deepening industrial capabilities, accelerating technology development, and transferring specialised expertise into operational advantage. By addressing specific and evolving client needs, across cybersecurity, electronic warfare, artificial intelligence (AI), and secure systems, KEY4 will play a central role in advancing the UAE's defence ecosystem and strengthening its position as a reliable contributor to global security and stability.' Serkan Altınışık, CEO of Pavo Group, said: 'This joint venture with EDGE Group represents a powerful alignment of vision and capability between two forward-looking defence technology leaders. Together, we are combining Türkiye's engineering excellence and EDGE's disruptive innovation to deliver sovereign, next-generation solutions that address the increasingly complex challenges faced by our partners across the region and beyond. This partnership underscores Pavo Group's commitment to fostering strategic collaborations that enhance interoperability, strengthen resilience, and shape the future of defence ecosystems.' KEY4 brings together the sovereign capabilities and advanced technical expertise of EDGE and Pavo Group across a wide range of critical domains. These include cryptography, cybersecurity, secure communications, interception systems, electronic warfare, AI and machine learning for defence, big data analytics, command and control, data centres, integrated border security, smart surveillance, avionics, aerospace engineering, electro-optics, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) solutions, and system design and prototyping. ENDS About EDGE Launched in November 2019, the UAE's EDGE is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly-skilled talent to thrive. With a focus on the adoption of 4IR technologies, EDGE is driving the development of sovereign capabilities for global export and for the preservation of national security, working with front-line operators, international partners, and adopting advanced technologies such as autonomous capabilities, cyber-physical systems, advanced propulsion systems, robotics and smart materials. EDGE converges R&D, emerging technologies, digital transformation, and commercial market innovations with military capabilities to develop disruptive solutions tailored to the specific requirements of its customers. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, EDGE consolidates more than 35 entities into six core clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Space & Cyber Technologies, Trading & Mission Support, Technology & Innovation, and Homeland Security.

Mid East Info

4 days ago

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation MBRF successfully concluded the fourth edition of the Youth Knowledge Forum YKF, which was held in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Egypt's Ministry of Youth and Sports through the Knowledge Youth Office. The event was held at the Cairo University Theatre on July 20 and 21, 2025, convening a distinguished group of experts and pioneers in this field.
The second and final day of YKF featured several in-depth discussions on key themes, including entrepreneurship, its challenges, and the stages of development. The sessions also examined Egypt's diverse entrepreneurial projects, the financial hurdles hindering their establishment and growth, as well as strategies for attracting investment and managing risk. Additionally, the event highlighted several inspiring entrepreneurial models and concluded with an open discussion, where young participants shared their future goals.
His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, said: 'The Youth Knowledge Forum is a dynamic platform for empowering young people and cultivating a culture of entrepreneurship and investment across the region. We, at MBRF, believe that constructive dialogues play a crucial role in strengthening the regional business landscape and promoting innovative entrepreneurial projects. Such initiatives further underscore the joint efforts of the UAE and the Arab Republic of Egypt to drive economic development and enhance the role of youth in society. We look forward to organizing more such impactful events which promote cooperation, and meaningful dialogue, further supporting the Foundation's vision of enhancing innovation and entrepreneurship.'
The first session, held under the title 'Entrepreneurship: From Beginnings to Challenges and Transformations,' was moderated by Dr. Nizar Sami, UNDP Egypt Innovation and Inclusive Growth Project Officer. The session explored what motivates young people to become entrepreneurs and the key challenges they face during the early stages of establishing their ventures. Prominent entrepreneurs, including Mohamed El Shabrawy El-Feky, Founder of Sympl; Mohamed Ragab, CEO of Imtlik Real Estate; Fady Ibrahim, Founder of Cropsa; Mohamed Yehia, Co-Founder of BIS; and Mohamed Koura, CEO of Vision, took part in the discussions, sharing their personal experiences with failure, key lessons learned, and the obstacles entrepreneurs face in accessing markets and building customer bases. They also discussed the future of entrepreneurship and the prerequisites to creating a conducive environment for youth empowerment.
The second session, titled 'Investment and Venture Capital,' moderated by Mustafa Abdel Latif, Co-founder and CEO of E Youth, examined Egypt's vibrant entrepreneurial scene from an investment perspective, highlighting the funding challenges that hinder start-up growth. Featuring notable speakers such as Ali Mokhtar (CEO of Beltone Venture Capital), Dr. Amr Al-Awamry from ARIA Ventures, and Nada Shaheen, Managing Director of GB Ventures, the discussion covered start-up evaluation frameworks. It stressed the importance of building a strong investment ecosystem and encouraging innovation.
The third session, titled ' Non-Financial Services and Their Role in Supporting Entrepreneurs,' was chaired by Dr. Nizar Sami and focused on strategies to strengthen Egypt's entrepreneurial ecosystem and attract more young innovators. Discussions emphasized key ways to improve start-up sustainability and encourage regional growth. Panelists included Mohammed Al-Naggar , Head of the Global Transaction Banking Division at Banque du Caire; Dr. Dalia Mustafa, an Entrepreneurship Expert; Dr. Hani Ayad , Chairman of the Youth Entrepreneurs Association; and Dr. Heba Al-Ashry, Director of the Entrepreneurship Centre at the Arab Academy for Science, who offered their insights on achieving long-term success for emerging businesses.
The second day of the Forum highlighted inspiring young entrepreneurs from Egypt, the UAE, Oman and Morocco , commemorating their innovative contributions towards strengthening the region's start-up ecosystem. Notable speakers included Akram Marwan , founder of iCareer ; Nadia Jamal Al-Din , creator of ' Rahet Bali' ; and Abdul Hamid Sharara , founder of RiseUp . Anis Al-Nahari from Oman also took part in the discussions, sharing his valuable insights on promoting youth-led projects and fostering sustainable impact.
YKF concluded with an open dialogue session, where young participants shared their visionary aspirations for the future, guided by insights from Dr. Hani Turki, Chief Technical Advisor at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Moreover, a commemorative group photo session was also held to mark the Forum's successful conclusion officially.
The fourth edition of the Knowledge Youth Forum marks a significant milestone by bringing together government officials, young visionaries, and thought leaders. It provided an ideal platform for exchanging innovative ideas, future-oriented strategies, and actionable plans that can advance the knowledge economy and support human development. Additionally, participants worked to identify major challenges faced by young entrepreneurs and explored practical ways to strengthen knowledge-based economic growth.