Upcoming Trade Shows in UAE for Defense

In a remarkably short period of time, the United Arab Emirates has managed to build up a defense sector that rivals those of the biggest powers in the world. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SPIRI) has ranked the UAE 9th overall in the world base. There’s not a well-developed defense manufacturing infrastructure in the UAE, so the country’s strategy prioritizes procurement. At the forefront of the UAE's defense procurement strategy is the Tawazun Economic Program, overseen by Tawazun. This robust offset program aims to leverage the country’s extensive defense procurements, focusing on developing the defense sector, economic diversification and high-value exports. A key facet of the program is to enhance employment opportunities for UAE nationals. In 2019, Tawazun introduced new offset guidelines, signaling a broader scope that extends beyond the defense and security industry. Strategic industries now encompass aerospace, infrastructure, transportation, communication technology, artificial intelligence, education technology, sustainability, environment, climate change, and food and water security. Companies engaged in defense contracts exceeding $10 million or those with active offset obligations fall under the offset obligations policy. The UAE’s procurement strategies involve Direct Commercial Sales (DCS), Foreign Military Sales (FMS) as well as hybrid routes. The country boasts the 6th largest FMS portfolio globally, featuring over 120 cases valued at an impressive $29.5 billion. Security cooperation programs emphasize integrated air and missile defense, air force modernization, interoperability and access, rotary wing aviation modernization, counterterrorism, and maritime operations. The decade ahead holds a lot of opportunities and challenges on a backdrop of further economic and geopolitical uncertainties, but UAE enjoys favourable conditions to keep its expansion on track. The UAE’s defense sector will continue to entrench itself in leadership positions through strategic diversification, technological innovation, and economic development positions.