The Unmanned System Exhibition (Umex 2018) and Simulation and Training Conference and Exhibition (SimTEX 2018) ended on a solid note netting defence deals worth Dh878.371 million on the closing day.

The final day of the dual event held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre featured exciting live flying performances by unmanned aircraft at Al Ain International Airport, said the event organisers.

Drawing the participation of 9 local and international companies, including the UAE-based Adasi, the live performances demonstrated the sophisticated maneuvering and surveillance capabilities of unmanned aerial systems as well as their ability to capture high-resolution aerial photos and trace targets with high accuracy and efficiency, they stated.

Drawing the participation of 122 major global defence-related companies representing 34 countries, the event showcased latest unmanned systems and simulation and training technologies, and facilitated partnerships and business deals among the participating companies.

The third edition of the dual events were held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Defence deals worth Dh294.225 million were signed on the final day, said the event organisers.

The Armed Forces signed two contracts with the UAE-based Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments (Adasi). The first contract, valued at Dh70.673 million, involves the renewal of technical support for UAV systems for 24 months, while the second contract worth Dh34.626 million involves the purchase of spare parts for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), they added.

Brigadier General Rashid Mohammed Al Shamsi, the chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of Umex and SimTex 2018, expressed delight at the continued success achieved by the dual events in attracting major international companies as well as catering to the evolving needs of unmanned systems and simulation and training sectors.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec), said: “We are delighted with the huge success achieved by UMEX and SimTEX 2018 due to the record local and international participation. We attribute this success to Adnec's successful sales and marketing strategies, including active participation in 15 international exhibitions and continued engagement with its strategic partners."

"This articulates our priority to diversify our portfolio of events into sectors identified in the Abu Dhabi Plan and Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030," he added.

Umex and SimTex 2018 attracted a record international participation from major global defence-related companies representing 34 countries compared to 23 countries in 2016.

In addition to offering a combined exhibition area of 17,000 sq m, up from 13,000 in 2016, the dual event also attracted 122 companies, compared to 91 companies in 2016.

Major Pilot Saeed Mohammed Al Yamahi, the official spokesperson of Umex and Simtex 2018, said the Armed Forces signed an Dh122,153 contract with Trust International for the maintenance and repair of nano NUAS PD - 100 Black Hornet PRS aircraft systems, and an Dh719,000 deal with Computer and Power Technology CPT for the purchase of training systems and supplements for luggage and baggage inspection.

Two key contracts were signed with Denel Dynamics from South Africa to increase the financial allocation for technical support for Seeker 2 unmanned aircraft systems. The first contract worth Dh14.720 million and the second worth Dh11.040 million

Another important deal of the day was worth Dh130.391 million with CAE Maritime Middle East from Canada for the purchase and installation of equipment for the Blackhawk and Bel aircrafts.

A Dh5.640 million worth deal was also signed today with JSC RPC 'KBM’ from Russia for the purchase and supply of rocket propellants.

Al Yamahi also announced that the Armed Forces inked an Dh22 million deal with Insitu from the US for the purchase of 4 Intergreater aircrafts, and a deal worth Dh4.285 million with Inovex Simulation and Training Limited from Switzerland for providing technical and training support for the operation and maintenance of BMB 3 machine simulators.-TradeArabia News Service