Latest news with #HamadAlMarar
Mid East Info
5 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
EDGE Signs Agreements with Hungary's 4iG SDT to Localise Defence Solutions for European and African Markets
EDGE & 4iG SDT to localise and co-develop advanced autonomous, air defence, and air traffic control systems in Hungary. The collaboration supports EDGE's expansion into NATO member states, while enabling both companies to build on their respective networks – EDGE across African markets, and 4iG SDT throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Abu Dhabi, UAE:July 2025 – EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, and 4iG Space and Defence Technologies (SDT), one of the leading telecommunications, IT, and space and defence industrial groups in Hungary and the Western Balkans, have signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to establish significant and expansive industrial cooperation between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Hungary. During an official UAE state visit to Hungary, EDGE and 4iG SDT signed three MoUs aimed at enabling a broad technology partnership to jointly develop, localise, and market advanced defence systems, including EDGE's SKYKNIGHT air defence missile system, SHADOW 25 and SHADOW 50 loitering munitions, and VEGA and ORION unmanned air traffic control solutions. Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO, EDGE, said: 'Our goal with partners such as 4iG SDT is to aid nations in developing and achieving advanced sovereign defence technology and industrial capabilities. The global security landscape has necessitated modernisation programmes to capitalise on the latest autonomous technology and address rapidly evolving aerial threats. This collaboration strengthens EDGE's ability to deliver competitive, NATO-compatible, and export-ready solutions, not only in support of Hungary's national objectives, but also as a gateway to deeper engagement across Europe and NATO member states.' István Sárhegyi, CEO of 4iG SDT, said: 'The agreements signed today mark a milestone in 4iG SDT international defence industry efforts. Through this partnership with one of the world's fastest-growing defence technology companies, we can develop systems with strong potential for success in both European and African markets on a mutual basis. EDGE's trust and openness provide an opportunity for Hungary to become a strategic player in the global defence innovation ecosystem.' Under the first agreement, the two companies will establish a broad technological partnership to co-develop and explore market opportunities of next-generation unmanned aerial systems (UASs), counter-UAS (C-UAS) solutions, and space technologies in Central and Eastern Europe, and Africa. The agreement also covers the potential establishment of a joint venture. The second agreement is focused on the potential development and production of EDGE's rapidly deployable SKYKNIGHT inner-layer air defence missile system and SHADOW line of precision-strike loitering munitions in Hungary. The final agreement is aimed at offering EDGE's VEGA uncrewed traffic management and ORION drone fleet management systems to the European market, with the potential to jointly develop air traffic control solutions. The MoU also includes the assessment of a joint venture to serve as a European development and sales hub for VEGA and ORION. Following an MoU between EDGE and 4iG SDT signed earlier this year to co-develop UAS and space technologies, the three subsequent agreements underscore EDGE's renewed commitment to strengthening ties with key European defence ecosystems and to delivering jointly developed, export-ready solutions that meet the technological and security requirements of NATO countries. 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
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
EDGE signs agreements with Hungary's 4iG SDT to localise defence solutions for European and African markets
The collaboration supports EDGE's expansion into NATO member states, while enabling both companies to build on their respective networks – EDGE across African markets, and 4iG SDT throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Abu Dhabi, UAE: EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, and 4iG Space and Defence Technologies (SDT), one of the leading telecommunications, IT, and space and defence industrial groups in Hungary and the Western Balkans, have signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to establish significant and expansive industrial cooperation between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Hungary. During an official UAE state visit to Hungary, EDGE and 4iG SDT signed three MoUs aimed at enabling a broad technology partnership to jointly develop, localise, and market advanced defence systems, including EDGE's SKYKNIGHT air defence missile system, SHADOW 25 and SHADOW 50 loitering munitions, and VEGA and ORION unmanned air traffic control solutions. Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO, EDGE, said: 'Our goal with partners such as 4iG SDT is to aid nations in developing and achieving advanced sovereign defence technology and industrial capabilities. The global security landscape has necessitated modernisation programmes to capitalise on the latest autonomous technology and address rapidly evolving aerial threats. This collaboration strengthens EDGE's ability to deliver competitive, NATO-compatible, and export-ready solutions, not only in support of Hungary's national objectives, but also as a gateway to deeper engagement across Europe and NATO member states.' István Sárhegyi, CEO of 4iG SDT, said: 'The agreements signed today mark a milestone in 4iG SDT international defence industry efforts. Through this partnership with one of the world's fastest-growing defence technology companies, we can develop systems with strong potential for success in both European and African markets on a mutual basis. EDGE's trust and openness provide an opportunity for Hungary to become a strategic player in the global defence innovation ecosystem.' Under the first agreement, the two companies will establish a broad technological partnership to co-develop and explore market opportunities of next-generation unmanned aerial systems (UASs), counter-UAS (C-UAS) solutions, and space technologies in Central and Eastern Europe, and Africa. The agreement also covers the potential establishment of a joint venture. The second agreement is focused on the potential development and production of EDGE's rapidly deployable SKYKNIGHT inner-layer air defence missile system and SHADOW line of precision-strike loitering munitions in Hungary. The final agreement is aimed at offering EDGE's VEGA uncrewed traffic management and ORION drone fleet management systems to the European market, with the potential to jointly develop air traffic control solutions. The MoU also includes the assessment of a joint venture to serve as a European development and sales hub for VEGA and ORION. Following an MoU between EDGE and 4iG SDT signed earlier this year to co-develop UAS and space technologies, the three subsequent agreements underscore EDGE's renewed commitment to strengthening ties with key European defence ecosystems and to delivering jointly developed, export-ready solutions that meet the technological and security requirements of NATO countries. 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
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
EDGE signs agreements with Hungary's 4iG SDT
EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, and 4iG Space and Defence Technologies (SDT), one of the leading telecommunications, IT, and space and defence industrial groups in Hungary and the Western Balkans, have signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to establish significant and expansive industrial cooperation between the UAE and Hungary. During an official UAE state visit to Hungary, EDGE and 4iG SDT signed three MoUs aimed at enabling a broad technology partnership to jointly develop, localise, and market advanced defence systems, including EDGE's SKYKNIGHT air defence missile system, SHADOW 25 and SHADOW 50 loitering munitions, and VEGA and ORION unmanned air traffic control solutions. Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO, EDGE, said, 'Our goal with partners such as 4iG SDT is to aid nations in developing and achieving advanced sovereign defence technology and industrial capabilities. The global security landscape has necessitated modernisation programmes to capitalise on the latest autonomous technology and address rapidly evolving aerial threats. This collaboration strengthens EDGE's ability to deliver competitive, NATO-compatible, and export-ready solutions, not only in support of Hungary's national objectives, but also as a gateway to deeper engagement across Europe and NATO member states.' István Sárhegyi, CEO of 4iG SDT, said, 'The agreements signed today mark a milestone in 4iG SDT international defence industry efforts. Through this partnership with one of the world's fastest-growing defence technology companies, we can develop systems with strong potential for success in both European and African markets on a mutual basis. EDGE's trust and openness provide an opportunity for Hungary to become a strategic player in the global defence innovation ecosystem.' Under the first agreement, the two companies will establish a broad technological partnership to co-develop and explore market opportunities of next-generation unmanned aerial systems (UASs), counter-UAS (C-UAS) solutions, and space technologies in Central and Eastern Europe, and Africa. The agreement also covers the potential establishment of a joint venture. The second agreement is focused on the potential development and production of EDGE's rapidly deployable SKYKNIGHT inner-layer air defence missile system and SHADOW line of precision-strike loitering munitions in Hungary. The final agreement is aimed at offering EDGE's VEGA uncrewed traffic management and ORION drone fleet management systems to the European market, with the potential to jointly develop air traffic control solutions. The MoU also includes the assessment of a joint venture to serve as a European development and sales hub for VEGA and ORION. Following an MoU between EDGE and 4iG SDT signed earlier this year to co-develop UAS and space technologies, the three subsequent agreements underscore EDGE's renewed commitment to strengthening ties with key European defence ecosystems and to delivering jointly developed, export-ready solutions that meet the technological and security requirements of NATO countries.
The National
27-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Gulf War lessons a catalyst for UAE's military growth, Edge chief says
The Gulf has been on tenterhooks in recent weeks, until news of the ceasefire between Iran and Israel was met with a collective sigh of relief. Conflict in this region, so close to home, is unfortunately nothing new, and at times like these lessons from the past can provide the greatest value. Sometimes, the ability to exercise force can be the best form of defence. This was a lesson not lost on the Emirates when Saddam Hussein's Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990. It was at this moment, Hamad Al Marar told The National, that the UAE saw how vulnerable nations could be without control over their own defence capabilities. The managing director and chief executive of Edge, the biggest defence conglomerate in the country, said it bore the seed of a homegrown industry built to protect national sovereignty. What role does Edge play today? 'The defence industry in the UAE dates back to 1991,' he said. 'Post the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, the UAE saw the importance of starting the defence industry and creating sovereignty in several domains.' Today, Edge is at the heart of that vision. Established in November 2019, the group was formed through a wave of mergers and acquisitions that brought together more than 35 entities into six advanced technology and defence clusters. 'Edge is the national champion when it comes to defence,' Mr Al Marar said. 'We serve everything from the bullet to the satellite.' That includes land, sea and air platforms, electronic warfare, cyber defence and homeland security. The group is also focused on artificial intelligence, smart materials, robotics and 3D printing. Of more than 200 defence products currently in Edge's portfolio, more than 80 per cent are manufactured locally – a number the group is very proud of. The group also has a presence in more than 100 countries, with entities in Latin America, three in Europe and plans to expand to Asia and Africa. In a move that goes full circle to Mr Al Marar's point that the UAE's military awakening came in 1991, one of the group's most recent deals was the sale of supply ships to Kuwait. Even with this scale, Mr Al Marar sees Edge as a company driven by agility, constantly adapting to new threats and technologies. 'Everything happening around us makes us rethink the way we used to design or produce,' he said. 'New manufacturing methods, from steel printing to intelligent platforms, are part of this evolution. Technology is maturing, making lots of missions possible and we do see a dual use in many of the applications and technologies we have today.' Keeping us safe Particularly in the light of recent geopolitical tensions, Mr Al Marar said deterrence, not destruction, is always the goal. 'Why is there always the idea that conflict should be an army or a nation against another nation?' Illicit fishing and drug smuggling, he said, can be as much of a security threat as any army, which is why 'readiness' remains the guiding principle. 'I always take this example,' he said. 'You might go to the gym to stay healthy. Those hours in the gym are actually the inventory of weapons. You have to be strong. In the presence of CCTV, over 90 per cent of thefts are eliminated. So when people know you're armed, it's less likely they will attack you.' He said Abu Dhabi is considered one of the safest cities in the world not because its people are different, but because of strategy and technology. Building a legacy of success That philosophy is also reflected in Edge's internal culture. The group has more than 14,000 employees, including 3,000 engineers – 50 per cent of them Emiratis, and 82 per cent of the Emiratis are women. In June, Edge won gold at the 2025 Employee Happiness Awards, in the category of Best Company to Work For (Large). It was also certified as a Great Place to Work in December 2024. 'It's software, it's material science, it's robotics,' Mr Al Marar said. 'It's the finest form of design – basically heaven for engineers.' His own journey is proof of the Emirati talent Edge celebrates. While many of his peers studied abroad, he stayed to study accounting at the Higher Colleges of Technology. Smiling, he added that he cannot live for long outside the Emirates because of his love for home. 'I basically cannot live for long outside the country. I like it here.' He started his career in the early days of Tawazun, a UAE-based government entity focused on defence and security acquisition, and has spent more than 20 years in the industry. 'I was fortunate to be at the right place at the right time and worked with brilliant teams to actually see this industry get formed in the way we see today.' His biggest hope is to leave behind an industry that is fully sovereign. 'I have a soft spot for self-determination,' he said. 'And I want to be a reason to give the UAE the ability to defend and the ability to strike.' The next chapter, he said, will focus on technological upgrades and continuous improvement. 'Everything we've done fits into the bigger picture,' he said. 'It's a strategy to make the UAE sovereign. And the real asset of the country – it's not the machines. It's the people.' How the past helps us look forward The UAE's armed forces officially unified in 1976 and have participated in multiple conflicts since. The first major contribution was in the Arab Deterrent Force peacekeeping mission in Lebanon in the late 1970s. Yet, as Mr Al Marar noted, the Gulf War was arguably a watershed moment. The UAE Army participated in the conflict, with 10 Emiratis losing their lives in the liberation of Kuwait from Iraq. Three decades after that invasion, the UAE isn't just protecting itself – it is proving what local vision and talent can accomplish. UAE's military strength on show at Union Fortress 10 parade – in pictures
The National
27-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Edge chief says UAE's safety is built on strategy and technology
Hamad Al Marar explains how Edge Group supports the UAE's defence - from cyber to satellite - and why readiness is key to peace
