UAE will showcase defence technology at trade show

At least 10 UAE companies will attend the Eurosatory exhibition in Paris.

ABU DHABI // The UAE will showcase its latest technology and expertise in defence and security at an international trade show on Monday in Paris.

Local companies taking part in the UAE’s pavilion at the Eurosatory exhibition include Yahsat, Ammroc, Al Taif and Bayanat from Mubadala, as well as Tawazun, Idex, Emirates Advanced Investments, Sofia Trading, the Nation Shield Journal and Thuraya.

“These companies hope to generate more sales through the branding of their products in this particular field of maintenance, repair and overhaul as well as with geospatial and satellite technology,” said Dr Theodore Karasik, director for research and consultancy at the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis in Dubai. “It’s a very hot topic right now and the products that are being advertised at the exhibition by Tawazun are part of the UAE’s trademark products. This, in turn, is helping to boost the presence of UAE products in the international marketplace.”

Emirati companies will demonstrate their knowledge in military maintenance, repair and overhaul services, multipurpose satellite solutions, systems integration and geospatial mapping services.

“The participation of UAE defence companies outside the Emirates is a key step forward for selling unique products and services on the world market,” Dr Karasik said. “It can also help attract foreign companies to the UAE as a global repair and maintenance hub.”

The exhibition, held every two years in France, is expected to attract more than 1,400 exhibitors from 53 countries. It will include various activities such as live demonstrations, interactive conferences and business-networking opportunities for visitors and exhibitors. “Eurosatory is an ideal setting for our participating companies to discuss industrial strategies and business development with leading international industry experts,” said Homaid Al Shemmari, chief executive of aerospace and engineering services at Mubadala.

“This exhibition also serves as an opportunity to further benchmark the UAE’s defence industry on an international level while creating prospects for future partnerships.”

Saif Al Hajeri, Tawazun’s chief executive, said Emirati companies would work together to demonstrate the economic and industrial progress in the UAE and to promote its attractive investment climate. “Eurosatory represents an excellent opportunity for us to present our innovative and highly-advanced defence and homeland security solutions to the world,” he said.

Among the items on display at the Tawazun stand are two UAE-made vehicles manufactured by Nimr Automotive. One will be on display at the UAE pavilion while the other will take part in the daily live demonstrations outdoors.

“It’s not just about the systems,” Dr Karasik said.