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Mid East Info
20-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
EDGE Champions ‘Made in the UAE' Defence Capabilities at MIITE 2025 - Middle East Business News and Information
Over 80% of EDGE's total portfolio of 220+ products and solutions are now manufactured in the UAE 170 manufacturing and assembly facilities in operation across Abu Dhabi Over 65 'Industry 4.0' transformation projects have been completed across 24 production facilities 4,000+ individuals trained by the award-winning EDGE Learning and Innovation Factory The Group has significantly strengthened its local supply chain to maximise in-country value Abu Dhabi, UAE: May 2025 – As the UAE's national champion for advanced technology and defence manufacturing, EDGE Group is using its presence at the Make it in the Emirates Forum 2025 (MIITE 2025) to showcase its central role in accelerating the UAE's sovereign defence industry and building a globally competitive industrial ecosystem. In alignment with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology's (MoIAT) 'Make it in the Emirates' and Operation 300bn initiatives, EDGE has localised a significant portion of its material procurement, with spending on local suppliers set to directly contribute to the growth of in-country value. This milestone reflects the group's long-term strategy to shift reliance away from imported materials and reinforce national industrial resilience. HALCON, an EDGE entity specialising in smart weapon systems, has played a pivotal role in this effort, directing more than AED 100 million in orders to 26 UAE-based manufacturers. Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO, EDGE Group, said: 'In line with the UAE leadership's vision, EDGE has established one of the world's most advanced and agile defence industries. We are accelerating the growth of national manufacturing capabilities, strengthening local supply chains, and positioning the UAE as a serious global contender in defence and advanced technology. 'Our strategy is sharply focused on scaling production, embedding innovation, and driving efficiency at every stage of development and delivery. With continued investment in local talent, smart manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 transformation, we are delivering tangible results across all fronts. Since the last MIITE forum, EDGE has expanded its facilities, accelerated Research and Development (R&D) in key areas, and significantly increased national workforce participation in technical and engineering roles. As we continue to localise core capabilities, we are laying the foundations for a sovereign, self-sustainable, and globally competitive defence ecosystem—designed and built in the UAE for national security priorities as well as international export.' Further reinforcing its role in shaping the UAE's industrial landscape, EDGE is collaborating with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to co-develop specialised systems and expand the national defence supply chain. One such example is the RABDA aeronautical engine, a lightweight, compact, high-performance engine designed to integrate into the REACH-S and REACH-M platforms. The RABDA engine is on display at MIITE 2025 as a symbol of the growing capability and potential of locally engineered systems and technologies. EDGE's industrial growth is matched by its strong investment in national talent. Since 2022, the Group has recorded an 84% increase in Emiratis employed in manufacturing roles and a 143% increase in Emirati technicians. These results reflect a targeted approach to building a skilled local workforce, supported by extensive upskilling initiatives, hands-on technical training, and the integration of Emiratis into high-value engineering and production roles across EDGE entities. EDGE's award-winning Learning & Innovation Factory (LIF) has reached a major milestone, training over 4,000 individuals in just three years. This achievement follows a strategic agreement with MoIAT to fast-track the digital transformation of high-potential manufacturers in the UAE. Under this framework, LIF will serve as the strategic partner and delivery arm of the ministry's Transform 4.0 programme—supporting the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies and the development of advanced smart manufacturing facilities. EDGE is also advancing Industry 4.0 transformation across its operations, with automation driving increases of up to 100% in production capacity, up to 70% in storage efficiency, and improvements of over 40% in both throughput and product quality. Over 65 projects have already been delivered, transforming 24 production facilities across 10 EDGE entities. These efforts have directly enhanced the capabilities of 1,100 employees and generated more than AED 180 million in cumulative value to date. EDGE now operates more than 170 manufacturing and assembly facilities across the UAE, forming one of the largest and most advanced industrial footprints in the region. These facilities are central to EDGE's ability to design, produce, and deliver complex systems at speed and scale. As part of this expanding infrastructure, ADVANCED CONCEPTS, an EDGE entity focused on developing next-generation technologies, has recently enhanced its independent rapid prototyping capabilities and launched a new computer numerical control (CNC) machining facility. These capabilities are critical to accelerating the R&D of the UAE's key autonomous systems and smart weapons programmes. Attendees of MIITE 2025 can visit EDGE and its portfolio of companies at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi in Hall 6 until 22nd May. 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.
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
EDGE champions ‘Made in the UAE' defence capabilities at MIITE 2025
170 manufacturing and assembly facilities in operation across Abu Dhabi Over 65 'Industry 4.0' transformation projects have been completed across 24 production facilities 4,000+ individuals trained by the award-winning EDGE Learning and Innovation Factory The Group has significantly strengthened its local supply chain to maximise in-country value Abu Dhabi, UAE – As the UAE's national champion for advanced technology and defence manufacturing, EDGE Group is using its presence at the Make it in the Emirates Forum 2025 (MIITE 2025) to showcase its central role in accelerating the UAE's sovereign defence industry and building a globally competitive industrial ecosystem. In alignment with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology's (MoIAT) 'Make it in the Emirates' and Operation 300bn initiatives, EDGE has localised a significant portion of its material procurement, with spending on local suppliers set to directly contribute to the growth of in-country value. This milestone reflects the group's long-term strategy to shift reliance away from imported materials and reinforce national industrial resilience. HALCON, an EDGE entity specialising in smart weapon systems, has played a pivotal role in this effort, directing more than AED 100 million in orders to 26 UAE-based manufacturers. Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO, EDGE Group, said: 'In line with the UAE leadership's vision, EDGE has established one of the world's most advanced and agile defence industries. We are accelerating the growth of national manufacturing capabilities, strengthening local supply chains, and positioning the UAE as a serious global contender in defence and advanced technology. 'Our strategy is sharply focused on scaling production, embedding innovation, and driving efficiency at every stage of development and delivery. With continued investment in local talent, smart manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 transformation, we are delivering tangible results across all fronts. Since the last MIITE forum, EDGE has expanded its facilities, accelerated Research and Development (R&D) in key areas, and significantly increased national workforce participation in technical and engineering roles. As we continue to localise core capabilities, we are laying the foundations for a sovereign, self-sustainable, and globally competitive defence ecosystem—designed and built in the UAE for national security priorities as well as international export.' Further reinforcing its role in shaping the UAE's industrial landscape, EDGE is collaborating with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to co-develop specialised systems and expand the national defence supply chain. One such example is the RABDA aeronautical engine, a lightweight, compact, high-performance engine designed to integrate into the REACH-S and REACH-M platforms. The RABDA engine is on display at MIITE 2025 as a symbol of the growing capability and potential of locally engineered systems and technologies. EDGE's industrial growth is matched by its strong investment in national talent. Since 2022, the Group has recorded an 84% increase in Emiratis employed in manufacturing roles and a 143% increase in Emirati technicians. These results reflect a targeted approach to building a skilled local workforce, supported by extensive upskilling initiatives, hands-on technical training, and the integration of Emiratis into high-value engineering and production roles across EDGE entities. EDGE's award-winning Learning & Innovation Factory (LIF) has reached a major milestone, training over 4,000 individuals in just three years. This achievement follows a strategic agreement with MoIAT to fast-track the digital transformation of high-potential manufacturers in the UAE. Under this framework, LIF will serve as the strategic partner and delivery arm of the ministry's Transform 4.0 programme—supporting the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies and the development of advanced smart manufacturing facilities. EDGE is also advancing Industry 4.0 transformation across its operations, with automation driving increases of up to 100% in production capacity, up to 70% in storage efficiency, and improvements of over 40% in both throughput and product quality. Over 65 projects have already been delivered, transforming 24 production facilities across 10 EDGE entities. These efforts have directly enhanced the capabilities of 1,100 employees and generated more than AED 180 million in cumulative value to date. EDGE now operates more than 170 manufacturing and assembly facilities across the UAE, forming one of the largest and most advanced industrial footprints in the region. These facilities are central to EDGE's ability to design, produce, and deliver complex systems at speed and scale. As part of this expanding infrastructure, ADVANCED CONCEPTS, an EDGE entity focused on developing next-generation technologies, has recently enhanced its independent rapid prototyping capabilities and launched a new computer numerical control (CNC) machining facility. These capabilities are critical to accelerating the R&D of the UAE's key autonomous systems and smart weapons programmes. Attendees of MIITE 2025 can visit EDGE and its portfolio of companies at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi in Hall 6 until 22nd May. -Ends- A recent video shoot took place at the XRANGE testing facility in Abu Dhabi, showcasing the REACH-S, AJBAN MK2, BORDERSHIELD, and 120 FIP in action. Click here for the full video: 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. For more information, visit For media enquiries, please contact: EDGE Group Press Office media@
Mid East Info
19-03-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
EDGE to Continue Expansion of its Naval Capabilities through Multi-Billion Euro Joint Venture with CMN NAVAL
EDGE and CMN NAVAL will create a UAE-based joint venture named AD NAVAL (ADN) for the manufacture of corvettes, offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), and high-speed interceptors. Existing non-NATO commercial order pipeline worth approximately EUR 7 billion to be transferred to the new Abu Dhabi-based joint venture. Abu Dhabi, UAE / Paris, France:EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, and CMN NAVAL, a world-renowned naval shipbuilding group specialising in the design, engineering, and construction of superior naval and commercial vessels, and mega yachts, have formally agreed to create a new Abu Dhabi-based shipbuilding joint venture (JV) named AD NAVAL (ADN). Leveraging an existing order pipeline worth approximately EUR 7 billion, the JV will bring together both companies under an exclusivity agreement on the segment of high value small to mid-size naval vessels including Corvettes, Offshore Patrol Vehicles (OPVs), High-speed Interceptors, Trimarans, and Landing Craft. The move will see EDGE significantly expand the scope of its capabilities in the naval domain. EDGE, holding a 51% stake in the new company, will collaborate with CMN NAVAL on sales, commercial activities, and engineering. It will also establish a design bureau which will assume intellectual property rights for all future designs. The JV will grant EDGE access to CMN NAVAL's global supply chain and its advanced Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) system and software, enhancing cost efficiency and operational performance through predictive and preventative maintenance, as well as the provision and management of all spare parts. The scope of the JV will also explore Combat Systems Integration (CSI) of EDGE's advanced autonomous air and sea, and smart weapons solutions onto vessels built by the new company. Hamad Al Marar, EDGE Group Managing Director & CEO, said: 'This is yet another example of our strategy of measured growth through international partnership with the world's leading players across the air, land, and maritime domains. The scope of our collaboration with CMN, which is particularly strong in EDGE's key focus markets in Africa, for example, will enable us to combine our expertise, and to share technology and know-how in the naval domain to build superior vessels in the UAE. Furthermore, it will enable us to develop cross-complementary integration programmes for our autonomous air and sea systems, smart weapons, radar, and cyber solutions, onto the vessels being manufactured for non-NATO navies around the world. Ultimately, it will also create valuable direct and indirect employment opportunities in the UAE and overseas, contributing to economic growth in this versatile and diverse sector. We are confident that CMN will be a great partner for continued innovation and success.' The announcement comes closely on the heels of an initial partnership agreement signed at IDEX 2025 last month in Abu Dhabi, where both parties laid the foundations for collaboration across multiple domains, including the development of cutting-edge naval platforms, system integration, maintenance, and commercial initiatives, aiming to set new benchmarks in naval innovation, leveraging next-generation technologies such as AI-driven autonomous systems, advanced combat solutions, and modular ship designs. The JV will create valuable direct employment opportunities for skilled personnel in the UAE, as well as related third-party opportunities across its global supply chain. Pierre Balmer, Chairman of CMN NAVAL, added: 'We are proud to join forces with EDGE Group in this strategic collaboration, which reflects our shared commitment to innovation, excellence, and the advancement of naval capabilities. By leveraging our deep expertise in shipbuilding and EDGE's cutting-edge defence technologies, we will deliver next-generation naval solutions tailored to the evolving needs of global maritime forces. This partnership not only strengthens our presence in key international markets but also paves the way for enhanced technology transfer, industrial cooperation, and job creation. Together, we look forward to setting new benchmarks in the industry and driving sustainable growth in the defence and maritime sectors.' CMN NAVAL is an integrated shipbuilding group with facilities and shipyards in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. It has built more than 3,500 vessels and supported 48 navies around the world. The company has also been a longstanding partner on the UAE's naval programmes, including the prestigious Baynunah, a corvette designed by the French shipbuilder. 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. About CMN NAVAL: CMN NAVAL is a global leader in the design, engineering, and construction of cutting-edge naval vessels, high-speed military boats, and commercial ships. With shipbuilding facilities in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, CMN NAVAL has built over 3,500 vessels and delivered tailor-made solutions to 48 navies worldwide. The company is at the forefront of integrating AI, automation, and modular engineering to create advanced, future-ready naval platforms that enhance maritime security and operational capability.
Trade Arabia
19-03-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
EDGE, CMN Naval to set up major Abu Dhabi JV
EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, and CMN Naval, a world-renowned naval shipbuilding group specialising in the design, engineering, and construction of superior naval and commercial vessels, and mega yachts, have formally agreed to create a new Abu Dhabi-based shipbuilding joint venture named AD Naval (ADN). Leveraging an existing order pipeline worth approximately EUR7 billion, the JV will bring together both companies under an exclusivity agreement on the segment of high value small to mid-size naval vessels including corvettes, offshore patrol vehicles (OPVs), high-speed interceptors, trimarans, and landing craft. The move will see EDGE significantly expand the scope of its capabilities in the naval domain. EDGE, holding a 51% stake in the new company, will collaborate with CMN Naval on sales, commercial activities, and engineering. It will also establish a design bureau which will assume intellectual property rights for all future designs. The JV will grant EDGE access to CMN Naval's global supply chain and its advanced Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) system and software, enhancing cost efficiency and operational performance through predictive and preventative maintenance, as well as the provision and management of all spare parts. The scope of the JV will also explore Combat Systems Integration (CSI) of EDGE's advanced autonomous air and sea, and smart weapons solutions onto vessels built by the new company. Hamad Al Marar, EDGE Group Managing Director & CEO, said: 'This is yet another example of our strategy of measured growth through international partnership with the world's leading players across the air, land, and maritime domains. The scope of our collaboration with CMN, which is particularly strong in EDGE's key focus markets in Africa, for example, will enable us to combine our expertise, and to share technology and know-how in the naval domain to build superior vessels in the UAE. Furthermore, it will enable us to develop cross-complementary integration programmes for our autonomous air and sea systems, smart weapons, radar, and cyber solutions, onto the vessels being manufactured for non-NATO navies around the world. Ultimately, it will also create valuable direct and indirect employment opportunities in the UAE and overseas, contributing to economic growth in this versatile and diverse sector. We are confident that CMN will be a great partner for continued innovation and success.' The announcement comes closely on the heels of an initial partnership agreement signed at IDEX 2025 last month in Abu Dhabi, where both parties laid the foundations for collaboration across multiple domains, including the development of cutting-edge naval platforms, system integration, maintenance, and commercial initiatives, aiming to set new benchmarks in naval innovation, leveraging next-generation technologies such as AI-driven autonomous systems, advanced combat solutions, and modular ship designs. The JV will create valuable direct employment opportunities for skilled personnel in the UAE, as well as related third-party opportunities across its global supply chain. Pierre Balmer, Chairman of CMN Naval, added: 'We are proud to join forces with EDGE Group in this strategic collaboration, which reflects our shared commitment to innovation, excellence, and the advancement of naval capabilities. By leveraging our deep expertise in shipbuilding and EDGE's cutting-edge defence technologies, we will deliver next-generation naval solutions tailored to the evolving needs of global maritime forces. This partnership not only strengthens our presence in key international markets but also paves the way for enhanced technology transfer, industrial cooperation, and job creation. Together, we look forward to setting new benchmarks in the industry and driving sustainable growth in the defence and maritime sectors.'
Al Etihad
19-03-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
EDGE expands naval capabilities through multi-billion Euro joint venture with CMN NAVAL
19 Mar 2025 14:31 ABU DHABI (WAM) EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, and CMN NAVAL, a world-renowned naval shipbuilding group specialising in the design, engineering, and construction of superior naval and commercial vessels, and mega yachts, have formally agreed to create a new Abu Dhabi-based shipbuilding joint venture (JV) named AD NAVAL (ADN).Leveraging an existing order pipeline worth approximately EUR 7 billion, the JV will bring together both companies under an exclusivity agreement on the segment of high-value small to mid-size naval vessels including Corvettes, Offshore Patrol Vehicles (OPVs), High-speed Interceptors, Trimarans, and Landing move will see EDGE significantly expand the scope of its capabilities in the naval holding a 51 percent stake in the new company, will collaborate with CMN NAVAL on sales, commercial activities, and engineering. It will also establish a design bureau which will assume intellectual property rights for all future JV will grant EDGE access to CMN NAVAL's global supply chain and its advanced Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) system and software, enhancing cost efficiency and operational performance through predictive and preventative maintenance, as well as the provision and management of all spare scope of the JV will also explore Combat Systems Integration (CSI) of EDGE's advanced autonomous air and sea, and smart weapons solutions onto vessels built by the new Group Managing Director & CEO, Hamad Al Marar, said, 'This is yet another example of our strategy of measured growth through international partnership with the world's leading players across the air, land, and maritime domains. The scope of our collaboration with CMN, which is particularly strong in EDGE's key focus markets in Africa, for example, will enable us to combine our expertise, and to share technology and know-how in the naval domain to build superior vessels in the UAE. Furthermore, it will enable us to develop cross-complementary integration programmes for our autonomous air and sea systems, smart weapons, radar, and cyber solutions, onto the vessels being manufactured for non-NATO navies around the world. Ultimately, it will also create valuable direct and indirect employment opportunities in the UAE and overseas, contributing to economic growth in this versatile and diverse sector. We are confident that CMN will be a great partner for continued innovation and success.'The announcement comes closely on the heels of an initial partnership agreement signed at IDEX 2025 last month in Abu Dhabi, where both parties laid the foundations for collaboration across multiple domains, including the development of cutting-edge naval platforms, system integration, maintenance, and commercial initiatives, aiming to set new benchmarks in naval innovation, leveraging next-generation technologies such as AI-driven autonomous systems, advanced combat solutions, and modular ship JV will create valuable direct employment opportunities for skilled personnel in the UAE, as well as related third-party opportunities across its global supply chain. Chairman of CMN NAVAL, Pierre Balmer, added, 'We are proud to join forces with EDGE Group in this strategic collaboration, which reflects our shared commitment to innovation, excellence, and the advancement of naval capabilities. By leveraging our deep expertise in shipbuilding and EDGE's cutting-edge defence technologies, we will deliver next-generation naval solutions tailored to the evolving needs of global maritime forces. This partnership not only strengthens our presence in key international markets but also paves the way for enhanced technology transfer, industrial cooperation, and job creation. Together, we look forward to setting new benchmarks in the industry and driving sustainable growth in the defence and maritime sectors.'
