EDGE champions ‘Made in the UAE' defence capabilities at MIITE 2025
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: https://youtu.be/NVdmai1uc4w
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 edgegroup.ae
For media enquiries, please contact:
EDGE Group Press Office
media@edgegroup.ae
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
21 minutes ago
- Zawya
AMPO Poyam will supply valves for ADNOC
AMPO POYAM VALVES has been selected to supply highly engineered cryogenic valves for the Maximising Ethane Recovery and Monetisation (MERAM) project, one of Adnoc's major strategic initiatives aimed at boosting the recovery of ethane from gas and enable its monetisation. The project, awarded to the joint venture between Técnicas Reunidas and National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC), will be executed in the United Arab Emirates, with the main facilities located at the Habshan 5 gas processing plant in Abu Dhabi. With an investment of $3.6 billion, MERAM is set to become a key pillar in Adnoc's long-term strategy to enhance ethane recovery and support the country's industrial growth. As part of this ambitious project, AMPO will deliver a total of 116 cryogenic valves in 2025 and 2026, including 68 valves larger than 12', and 48 valves smaller than 12', with some valves reaching up to 24″, 30″, and 36″ in size. These valves will operate under extremely low-temperature conditions, ensuring maximum reliability and safety throughout the ethane recovery process. The selection of AMPO is a testament to our proven expertise and track record in cryogenic valve technology. Técnicas Reunidas and Adnoc turned to AMPO POYAM VALVES not only for our product quality and technical reliability, but also because of our long-standing experience with large-scale energy projects and cryogenic applications. This partnership reinforces AMPO's position as a trusted global leader in highly engineered cryogenic valve solutions for the most demanding service conditions. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
42 minutes ago
- Zawya
UAE, China explore cooperation in energy, infrastructure
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Managing Director and Group CEO of Adnoc, and Chairman of Masdar, conducted a working visit to the People's Republic of China, where he met with senior Chinese government officials as well as top executives from leading Chinese companies. The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in energy, renewable energy, industry, and infrastructure. During the visit, Dr Al Jaber met with Lan Fo'an, China's Minister of Finance, and Liu Jianchao, Head of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party (CPC) of China, and Zou Jiayi, President of AIIB in the presence of Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to China. Dr Al Jaber emphasised the UAE's unwavering commitment to strengthening and expanding the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China, and the importance of launching new initiatives that support the development goals of both nations, with a focus on empowering national companies and enhancing collaboration between the public and private sectors, in a way that supports mutual sustainable economic growth and prosperity. Dr Al Jaber held a series of meetings with senior leaders from major Chinese companies, including Wang Yuetao, Chairman of ZhenHua Oil, Liao Zengtai, Chairman of Wanhua, a leading chemicals manufacturing company; Liu Haoling, President of the China Investment Corporation (CIC); Dai Houliang, Chairman of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), one of the world's largest energy and petrochemical companies; Zhang Chuanjiang, Chairman of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC); Zhang Lei, Chairman of Envision, specialising in renewables and smart energy management solutions; Song Hailiang, Chairman of China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC), active in energy and infrastructure projects. The meetings focused on the latest developments in cooperation across energy sectors, including renewables, oil and gas, LNG, refining, and petrochemicals, as well as strategic shipping and storage. They also explored ways to enhance investments in priority areas of mutual interest and potential industrial infrastructure projects, in line with both countries' shared interest to advancing industrial and technological partnerships that support sustainable development, facilitate knowledge transfer and localisation, and boost global competitiveness. China remains the UAE's largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade exceeding US$100 billion in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 7%, driven primarily by an 18% increase in imports. In the first quarter of 2025, non-oil trade between the two countries grew by approximately 18% compared to the same period last year, supported by a 32.5% rise in exports, a 20.2% increase in re-exports, and a 12.7% growth in imports.
Zawya
43 minutes ago
- Zawya
BNW partners with Masah for key Ras Al Khaimah waterfront project
UAE-based BNW Developments has announced that it has officially signed up MAN Construction (a subsidiary of Middle East's tier‑1 contracting company Masah) as the principal partner for its iconic waterfront project - Aqua Arc - in Ras Al Khaimah. Aqua Arc, nestled on the pristine coast of Al Marjan Island, is among BNW's most anticipated ventures, an architectural ode to elegance, functionality, and sea-facing serenity. With MAN onboard, the execution enters a new realm of confidence and capability, said the developer . With this AED1 billion ($272.2 million) deal, Aqua Arc marks the beginning of what promises to be a long‑term collaboration between the two powerhouse firms, with more landmark projects already in the pipeline, it stated. "Partnering with BNW Developments for Aqua Arc is a proud milestone for Masah. We see this as a symbol of a shared vision to create landmark communities that reflect global standards and regional character. Aqua Arc, with its distinct architecture and scale, is exactly the kind of challenge Masah was built for," remarked Mohammed Abdul Nayeem, the Chairman of Masah holdings and MAN constructions, at the signing ceremony. Senior officials of BNW Developments including its Chairman & Founder Ankur Aggarwal and Managing Director & Co-founder Vivek Anand Oberoi, who have each played a pivotal role in bringing this illustrious partnership to fruition, took part. It was also attended by executives of Masah and its subsidiaries including Sheikh Mohammed Bin Sulaiman Alhabib (Vice Chairman, Masah Construction & Alpha Metals), Althaf Kazi (CEO & Managing Partner, MAN Specialized Contracting, UAE), Mirza Naseem Beg (CEO & Managing Partner, Alpha Metals, KSA & UAE), and Mohammed Misbah (Advisor to the Chairman). A major player in the regional construction sector, Masah has delivered some of the GCC's most ambitious constructions - from Ajdan Rise to major healthcare assets like Sulaiman Al Habib Hospitals and Almoosa Specialist Hospitals. Their excellence extends to award-winning marine and aviation infrastructure, including the Red Sea Global Terminal at the Red Sea International Airport, said the developer. "At BNW, we've always believed that design vision means little without executional brilliance. The appointment of Masah is a critical step in our mission to deliver not just residences, but reference points in global luxury living. Masah's track record in constructing technically demanding projects, their commitment to timelines, and their engineering depth made them a natural fit," stated Aggarwal. "Aqua Arc is a signature BNW development, it demands nothing short of mastery, and with Masah, we're confident that's exactly what we'll achieve," he added. Oberoi said: "Masah isn't just a contractor, they're craftsmen of scale. What sets them apart is their consistency in delivering landmark projects that marry innovation with precision. Aqua Arc is an example of BNW's unwavering intent to reshape Ras Al Khaimah's skyline with substance and soul." "For us, every partnership is about shared values. Masah's professionalism, structural command, and transparent process align seamlessly with our own ethos of trust, ambition, and long-term value creation," he stated. "Beyond the immediate commencement of Aqua Arc, this partnership strengthens BNW's operational depth, governance alignment, and cross-border reliability, key enablers for sustainable expansion into new markets," remarked Oberoi, hinting at the brand's imminent expansion into Saudi Arabia next year. Once completed, it is set to redefine ultra‑luxury living in the northern emirate, he added. -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
