Latest news with #InternationalDefenseExhibitionandConference
Los Angeles Times
19-03-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Weapons, war and wealth: The business of arms in the Middle East
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Arms are a global business, so it's little surprise that at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference, discerning quartermasters had a world buffet of weaponry before them, be it Brazilian ballistic munitions, Indian patrol boats or the latest in AI-enabled drones from the U.S. Also present was Israel, which brought 34 companies to the arms bazaar last month — a measure of the surprising resilience of Israel's trade with Arab nations amid the continuing regional turmoil triggered by Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attacks. Israel has pummeled Gaza, leaving tens of thousands of people dead and destroying much of the enclave; it has also invaded Lebanon and attacked Yemen. All that has kicked up global condemnation, with regional governments — including the United Arab Emirates — repeatedly denouncing Israel's actions. But little of that opprobrium seemed evident at IDEX, as the biennial arms fair in the UAE is known. The mood at the Israeli pavilion seemed relaxed, with snatches of Hebrew heard amid the raft of languages in conversation. Stands from companies selling drones, smart surveillance devices and communication equipment all saw heavy traffic. A big hit with attendees was a virtual-reality demo from the state-owned aerospace and aviation manufacturer Israel Aerospace Industries, or IAI. As the demo played, spokespeople and Israeli officials nearby spoke glowingly of the 'combat-proven' systems — read: used in Gaza and Lebanon — on display. Though company representatives demurred when asked about current conflicts, many said business was very much as usual. 'We don't see any difference at all,' said Ron Pollak, vice president of sales and marketing at Israeli arms manufacturer Emtan. This was the third time Emtan had participated in IDEX, he added, and the reception was as good as ever. 'We evaluate market potential … and then we go. As long as it's a safe environment — and the UAE is very, very safe — there's no reason not to come.' Such a presence would have been unthinkable almost five years ago, when Israel and the UAE signed the U.S.-brokered the Abraham Accords, in which the Emirates recognized Israeli sovereignty. Since then, Israeli firms in defense, agriculture and energy have all made inroads into what one Israeli entrepreneur recently described as the 'Sand Curtain,' with companies such as IAI and Elbit Systems, another arms manufacturer, creating Emirati subsidiaries. Other signatories to the accords include Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan, but ties with the Emirates have proved to be the most enduring during the war with Hamas, which saw Israel accused of committing genocide and ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip. Israel's campaign in Gaza began after Hamas assaulted southern Israel, killing roughly 1,200 people — most of them civilians — and kidnapping 250 others, Israeli authorities say. Palestinian health authorities in Gaza say Israeli attacks have killed more than 48,500 people. A January cease-fire between Hamas and Israel has since broken down, with Israel restarting intense bombardment of the enclave that has already killed more than 400 people, Palestinian authorities say. Israel cut off aid to Gaza during the cease-fire and has vociferously pushed for a Trump-supported plan to forcibly relocate Gaza residents to other countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Sudan and Somalia. The UAE never stopped flights to Israel during the war and became its top Arab business partner last year. Trade between the two countries totaled $3.2 billion in 2024, according to the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, an 11% increase from 2023. Other Arab nations, including those with populations holding strong pro-Palestinian sentiment, also saw a strengthening of business ties. Israel's Ministry of Energy and Mining said the country's natural gas exports to Egypt and Jordan increased by 13.4% in 2024, reaching 17.15 billion cubic yards — despite widespread calls for boycotts from citizens in both countries. Some of that commerce is a matter of economically minded realpolitik. Jordan, a major recipient of U.S. aid, has a restive population with millions of Palestinian refugees, but it needs to maintain good ties with Israel for security coordination — and to stay in Washington's good books. Similar pressures apply to Egypt, said Timothy Kaldas, an Egyptian analyst at the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy think tank: Egypt suffers from power outages and needs energy supplies — especially when they're conveniently located next door in Israel. At the same time, its moribund economic prospects mean that it can't ignore any opportunity to earn hard currency. 'This trade relationship is strategic for both parties,' Kaldas said. 'The rhetoric and the practice of the Egyptian government when it comes to the war — the ethnic cleansing, the genocide — are of course very distant from their practices.' For Israel, the most tantalizing diplomatic prize remains normalization with Saudi Arabia. An agreement with the kingdom, home to some of Islam's holiest sites, would grant religious legitimacy absent from other normalization deals. Saudi leaders insist they won't normalize ties without the creation of a Palestinian state — a nonstarter for the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and much of the Israeli public. But the two countries share enmity toward Iran and have indirectly cooperated to stop its attacks in the region. As for the merchants at IDEX, there is no reluctance to working with like-minded nations, said Abraham Mazor, vice president of business development and marketing at Smartshooter, an international company headquartered in Israel. The company says it uses artificial intelligence and other tech to 'significantly increase' the accuracy and lethality of small arms. 'We go wherever we feel the customer is looking for innovation and new technologies. And I believe the countries in this area are looking to us,' he said. At Smartshooter's stand, an affable representative showed off the company's wares to a rotating crowd, holding up a mock rifle for customers to try. Among the eager takers were Emirati students and engineers — the men in the long white robe known as a thobe, the women in abayas. 'We are more than happy to share with the Emirates because we have the same intentions for this technology — to save lives by protecting your people,' Mazor said. 'It's more than just selling. It's a partnership.'
Mid East Info
28-02-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
EDGE and Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology sign MoU to advance UAE's Industry 4.0 transformation
Under the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, Operation 300bn, EDGE Group's Learning & Innovation Factory (LIF) and the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). LIF is a hub that offers advanced upskilling and technology-driven solutions to enhance manufacturing excellence and innovation in the defence and industrial sectors. This synergy aims to accelerate the digital transformation of high-potential manufacturers in the UAE, positioning LIF as the primary entry point to lead this market initiative. Signing the MoU were Fatma Essa Al Mheiri, Acting Director of the Technology Adoption and Development Department at MoIAT, and Ahmed Al Khoori, EDGE Senior Vice President of Strategy & Excellence, in the presence of Her Excellency Salama Alawadhi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Industrial Development Sector at MoIAT, and Hamad Al Marar, EDGE Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. The MoU was signed during the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025, ongoing at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Under the initial framework for cooperation, LIF will act as the strategic partner and executor of the ministry's Transform 4.0 program, aimed at promoting Industry 4.0 adoption and establishing state-of-the-art smart manufacturing facilities. It aligns with the UAE's broader vision to enhance industrial competitiveness through advanced technologies and digital innovation, intending to support 100 high-potential manufacturers in digitalization and creating a network of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) lighthouses. 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.
Egypt Independent
24-02-2025
- Business
- Egypt Independent
Egypt, UAE explore future defense cooperation at IDEX 2025
ABU DHABI/CAIRO, Feb 19 (MENA) – Minister of State for Military Production Mohamed Salah al-Din Mustafa held discussions with UAE Minister of State for Defense Affairs Mohamed Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei on the third day of the 'IDEX 2025' International Defense Exhibition and Conference. Salah al-Din praised the exhibits at the UAE pavilion, highlighting the significant advancements made by the UAE's military industries and their ability to keep pace with rapid developments in the defense and security sector. He emphasized that the Ministry of Military Production is always eager to participate in the IDEX exhibition, recognizing it as one of the most important events in the field of military industries and an opportunity to expand the scope of joint cooperation. He stressed the strong bond between the two countries and their peoples, highlighting the deep integration and cooperation across various fields. In this regard, UAE Minister stated that his country has prioritized technology and innovation as key elements of its future vision for a safer and more stable world. The exhibition serves as a platform for nations, industry experts, and military leaders to engage in dialogue, showcase cutting-edge technologies, and strengthen cooperation toward ensuring global security, he added. Al Mazrouei also commended the diverse military products displayed at the Egyptian pavilion, particularly those contributed by the Ministry of Military Production to the exhibition. The two ministers discussed several potential areas for future cooperation. Minister Mohamed Salah also extended an invitation to the UAE Minister of State for Defense Affairs to attend and participate in the 'EDEX 2025' International Defense and Military Industries Exhibition, which is set to take place in Egypt this December. The event brings together leading global companies, decision-makers, and experts in the defense industry to showcase the latest technologies and solutions in the sector, aimed at enhancing international peace and security.(MENA)
Zawya
20-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
EDGE and Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology sign MoU to advance UAE's Industry 4.0 transformation
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Under the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, Operation 300bn, EDGE Group's Learning & Innovation Factory (LIF) and the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). LIF is a hub that offers advanced upskilling and technology-driven solutions to enhance manufacturing excellence and innovation in the defence and industrial sectors. This synergy aims to accelerate the digital transformation of high-potential manufacturers in the UAE, positioning LIF as the primary entry point to lead this market initiative. Signing the MoU were Fatma Essa Al Mheiri, Acting Director of the Technology Adoption and Development Department at MoIAT, and Ahmed Al Khoori, EDGE Senior Vice President of Strategy & Excellence, in the presence of Her Excellency Salama Alawadhi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Industrial Development Sector at MoIAT, and Hamad Al Marar, EDGE Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. The MoU was signed during the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025, ongoing at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Under the initial framework for cooperation, LIF will act as the strategic partner and executor of the ministry's Transform 4.0 program, aimed at promoting Industry 4.0 adoption and establishing state-of-the-art smart manufacturing facilities. It aligns with the UAE's broader vision to enhance industrial competitiveness through advanced technologies and digital innovation, intending to support 100 high-potential manufacturers in digitalization and creating a network of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) lighthouses. 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@
Boston Globe
19-02-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
US top diplomat Rubio visits the UAE after landmark talks with Russia over Ukraine war
There was no immediate readout on what Rubio, Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's foreign minister, discussed in their roughly 30-minute meeting. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Sheikh Mohammed on Monday. Advertisement Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been discussed as possible sites for peace talks to end the war in Ukraine, which marks its third anniversary on Monday. Saudi Arabia also has been mentioned as the possible venue for a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, providing a potential diplomatic boon to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler. The leaders met Rubio at an Abu Dhabi convention center that's hosting the biennial International Defense Exhibition and Conference this week, where both Ukraine and Russia have displayed weapons — even as Moscow faces Western sanctions over the war. Russian money continues to flood into Dubai's booming real estate market. Daily flights between the Emirates and Moscow provide a lifeline for both those fleeing conscription and the Russian elite. Ukrainians as well have fled to the Emirates, an autocratically ruled federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula. Rubio also visited Abu Dhabi's Abrahamic Family House, which houses a Catholic church, a Jewish synagogue and an Islamic mosque. Associated Press writer Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.
