Mona Al Hammoudi (Abu Dhabi)
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the work of the fifth session of the “Unmanned Systems 2022” conference, which will be held before the launch of the UMEX and SimTEX 2022 exhibitions, was launched in Abu Dhabi yesterday. Slogan: “Autonomous Systems Without Borders: A Huge Breakthrough and Promising Prospects”.
In his opening speech, His Excellency Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bawardi, Minister of State for Defense Affairs, stressed that the holding of this strategic event and its specialization in unmanned systems, whether from drones or robots and their components, puts it on the list of the most prominent events, and enhances its regional presence as it is the only event specialized in This sector is at the level of the Middle East region.
In addition, the organization of this conference comes despite global challenges and exceptional circumstances at the level of the region, to shed light on the capabilities and capabilities that the UAE enjoys, and highlights its pivotal role in enhancing the security and stability of the region, and its efforts to move forward in developing its advanced technological system to build strength Deterrence, and a security and defense sector that achieves reassurance and peace.”
The opening was attended by His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, His Excellency Maria Didi, Minister of Defense of the Republic of the Maldives, His Excellency Joao Ernesto dos Santos, Minister of Defense of Angola, and His Royal Highness Lieutenant-General Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Commander The Royal Saudi Air Force, His Excellency Eng. Owaidah Murshid Al Marar, Head of the Department of Energy in Abu Dhabi, Major General Dr. Mubarak Saeed Ghafan Al Jabri, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the UMEX and SimTEX 2022 exhibitions and conferences, and Hamid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Company The National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), its group of companies, and high-level personalities from the international delegations participating in the conference. In addition to a group of thought leaders, high-ranking officials, academic researchers from different countries of the world, and more than 2,000 experts and specialists in a virtual and virtual format.
His Excellency Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bawardi said: “This strategic event is a scientific platform and a comprehensive process of expertise, competencies and specialists that contribute to the development of national capabilities and deliver our message to the world that the UAE is capable of facing various challenges, and is among the leading advanced countries.”
He added, “A large part of the danger lies in the fact that drones have become a weapon preferred by terrorist groups due to the low cost of production, efficiency, effectiveness and ease of access, especially if there are regimes and countries that sponsor them. Unmanned aircraft can play some of the roles played by conventional combat aircraft, such as surveillance, reconnaissance and air attacks, and this is why their uses began to affect the concepts and doctrine of air operations and air defense.
He continued, “Unmanned systems and drones have become the title of a real unprecedented technological revolution that puts the future in our hands, and a reflection of the success of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and artificial intelligence technology. It can also be considered one of the innovations that has changed many concepts and practices by providing many opportunities and benefits to humanity, and in the UAE, it is considered a fundamental pillar in achieving the vision of our wise leadership represented in the 50 Principles, which is based on building the best and most developed economy in the world, consolidating a positive reputation, and standing world of the Emirates. On the other hand, however, it still poses unprecedented risks and challenges, which requires us to take appropriate measures to keep pace with these changes, including enacting laws and regulations to regulate their uses in an optimal manner that serves security, stability and peace in human societies.
His Excellency affirmed the UAE’s keenness to develop its capabilities to produce unmanned systems and drones to enhance its defense capabilities and support the growth of its national economy. It also pays special attention to exporting this technology to friendly and allied countries to support their efforts to enhance regional and international security and stability. It is also keen to cooperate with its partners in the field of research and development. In this regard, the UAE is proud of the products of the Edge group, as the largest group of advanced technology in the region, and as one of the largest suppliers of weapons globally, in addition to being the strategic partner of UMEX and Simtex 2022.
His Excellency mentioned the success of the country’s industrial efforts in devising solutions to develop defense systems against unmanned aircraft at the lowest possible costs to protect the airspace from penetration, so that it is able to monitor and track various types of unmanned aircraft and destroy them before they attack their targets. Therefore, it is necessary to intensify our joint efforts and continue developing such defense systems to protect national security, consolidate peace and stability in our countries, and protect the lives of members of our societies and institutions.
Achieving peace and security
His Excellency Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bawardi said: “I invite you to work together to develop the technology of unmanned systems to serve humanity and protect civilians. We must unite to prevent the use of drones to threaten the security of civilians and destroy economic institutions.
We must intensify our efforts to protect international legitimacy and achieve international peace and security, and work together to continue the wheel of progress and prosperity for our future generations and build a safer and brighter world.
We also have to raise our creative capabilities to face challenges, develop people’s interaction with smart machines with confidence and awareness, and make the right decisions in this unpopulated age.”