Posted by Abu Dhabi, UAE: In a major move, UAE under the leadership of Mohamed bin Zayed has set up an advanced technology conglomerate EDGE. It will put more than 25 different defence and technology businesses under one company.
EDGE as a company aims to reposition UAE as a notable global player in the advance technology arena through future partnerships with major defense and advance tech OEMs.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces inaugurated EDGE on Tuesday.
EDGE is positioned to disrupt capabilities across a wide breadth of industries .
In phase 1 of EDGE’s initiation more than 25 entites from Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC), Emirates Advanced Investments Group and Tawazun Holding and other independent organisations will be consolidated.
“EDGE will invest extensively across R&D, working closely with front-line operators to design and deploy practical solutions that address real world challenges,” said His Excellency Faisal Al Bannai, CEO and MD – EDGE.
“The solution to address hybrid warfare, lies at the convergence of innovations from the commercial world and the military industry. Established with a core mandate to disrupt an antiquated military industry generally stifled by red tape, EDGE is set to bring products to market faster and at more cost-effective price points,” he added.
Al Bannai has been appointed to lead EDGE, based on his startup background and proven track record in leveraging emerging technologies to expand business opportunities at home and abroad.
In contributing to innovation and advanced technology growth, EDGE will develop deeper partnerships with world-leading industry OEMs and defence contractors, the SME sector and academia alike.
The move to drive innovation and product development is not just restricted to mere consolidation, investments and partnerships, but also attracting top industry experts and talent from around the globe.
These experts and global talent will help on a wide spectrum of modern product development, ranging from ideation to building cross domain capabilities over its five core business clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Cyber Defence, Electronic Warfare & Intelligence, and Mission Support.
The company is set to implement advanced technologies such as autonomous capabilities, cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), advanced propulsion systems, robotics and smart materials, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) across all its products and services.
“We are invested in managing the uncertainty that technology brings by adapting our focus and capabilities towards a sustainable defence and security industry. EDGE will help us transform our domestic capabilities, while growing our engagements on defence and security exports,” said His Excellency Tareq Abdul Raheem Al Hosani, CEO – Tawazun Economic Council (the UAE’s Defence Enabler).
In 2018, the UAE topped the Global Innovation Index for the Arab world. EDGE aims to help the UAE to retain and expand that foremost position.