Security, Aerospace & Defence
From The Report: Abu Dhabi 2023
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Abu Dhabi holds a central role in military and defence operations in the UAE, attracting multinational aerospace manufacturers and service providers.

The emirate’s focus on cybersecurity, advanced robotics and autonomous vehicles is driving international research and manufacturing partnerships. Educational programmes, meanwhile, aim to equip the local talent pool for emerging opportunities.

Collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors are enhancing investor confidence, driven by expanding military manufacturing and international trade relations. Increased federal defence spending and the drive to localise production further are expected to bolster these high-value sectors, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s goal to establish itself as a regional and global centre for advanced manufacturing and technologies.

This chapter includes interviews with Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General, UAE Space Agency; and Faisal Al Bannai, Chairman, EDGE Group.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Full pursuit: The drive to localise defence production is gaining traction and helping to expand high-value industries
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Abu Dhabi is the main administrative centre for military and defence-related operations in the UAE. More broadly, the emirate is a key international aviation gateway, which has helped it to attract major multinational aerospace manufacturers and service providers to establish operations in Abu Dhabi and its various industrial zones. Continued work from both the federal and emirate governments to enhance the local business environment is further driving that trend. Industrial and ICT sector development…

Interview

The final frontier: Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General, UAE Space Agency, on realising the potential to be a pioneer in space exploration
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Interview:Salem Butti Al Qubaisi To what extent do strategic partnerships support the industry’s human capital development efforts? SALEM BUTTI AL QUBAISI: The UAE is committed to strengthening international economic cooperation in all fields, including the space industry. These partnerships help build relationships with key international players – illustrated by the December 2022 memorandum of understanding signed with the Philippine Space Agency – and increase collaboration in research,…

Analysis

Digital fortress: Confronting the next generation of cyberthreats in the GCC
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With global geopolitical instability elevating the threat of cyberattacks against businesses and government agencies alike, the GCC is rapidly developing more robust and comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to respond to the evolving nature of such threats and expand the local ICT talent pool. Since experiencing their first major cyberattacks in the early 2010s, the six members of the GCC have looked at ways to bolster their cybersecurity by increasing their resilience and upgrading capacity.…