Edge specialises in building advanced technology for weapons systems, cyber protection and electronic warfare. Photo: Edge
Edge specialises in building advanced technology for weapons systems, cyber protection and electronic warfare. Photo: Edge
Edge specialises in building advanced technology for weapons systems, cyber protection and electronic warfare. Photo: Edge
Edge specialises in building advanced technology for weapons systems, cyber protection and electronic warfare. Photo: Edge

UAE's Edge partners with Bulgarian entities as it expands portfolio


Alkesh Sharma
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UAE defence conglomerate Edge has signed two separate agreements with Bulgarian entities as it boosts its portfolio and aims to expand its footprint in the Eastern Europe market.

Edge has partnered with TBS, an international trading company providing innovative and advanced technological solutions securing land, air and space; and Samel-90, a manufacturer of high-performance electronic communications equipment and systems, the company said on Friday.

“These collaborations are another key step towards achieving the Edge growth strategy, furthering Edge’s goal to pursue global, mutually beneficial partnerships supporting defence capability development,” Omar Al Zaabi, president of trading and mission support at Edge, said.

“We look forward to how these valuable partnerships will expand our footprint in Bulgaria and the Eastern European region,” he added.

Set up in 2019, Edge specialises in building advanced technology for weapons systems, cyber protection and electronic warfare, with more than 25 companies under its umbrella.

The group has been expanding its portfolio as the UAE, the Arab world’s second-largest economy, focuses on boosting its local defence manufacturing capabilities and diversifying its economy away from oil.

In February, Edge announced it had acquired a majority stake in Estonia's Milrem Robotics to develop capabilities in robotics and autonomous systems in line with the UAE's expanding manufacturing sector.

TBS and Edge will partner through international trade expansion, knowledge transfer, research and development within space science technologies, cyber security, security communication, land vehicle acquisition, and range development, Edge said.

It will jointly identify business opportunities within multiple electronic development domains with Samel-90, which specialises in products such as jammer solutions, surveillance equipment, tools and mechanical parts, and satellite components.

Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

Updated: September 22, 2023, 3:29 PM