EDGE highlighted its shift towards local procurement, with a significant portion of its material sourcing now directed to UAE-based suppliers. One of its entities, HALCON, placed over AED 100 million in orders with 26 local manufacturers, reinforcing in-country value and national industrial resilience.
“In line with the UAE leadership’s vision, EDGE has established one of the world’s most advanced and agile defence industries,” said Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group. “We are accelerating the growth of national manufacturing capabilities, strengthening local supply chains, and positioning the UAE as a serious global contender in defence and advanced technology.”
Al Marar added: “Our strategy is sharply focused on scaling production, embedding innovation, and driving efficiency at every stage of development and delivery. With continued investment in local talent, smart manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 transformation, we are delivering tangible results across all fronts.”
Since the last MIITE forum, EDGE expanded its facilities, intensified research and development efforts, and increased the participation of Emiratis in technical and engineering roles. These steps support the Group’s vision of a sovereign, self-sustaining defence ecosystem developed in the UAE for both national and international use.
EDGE also collaborated with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to co-develop advanced systems, including the RABDA aeronautical engine. This lightweight, compact engine, designed for the REACH-S and REACH-M platforms, was showcased at MIITE 2025 as a key example of local innovation.
EDGE’s investment in human capital has seen an 84% rise in Emiratis employed in manufacturing and a 143% increase in Emirati technicians since 2022. These figures reflect the success of extensive training and upskilling programmes across EDGE entities.
The Group’s Learning & Innovation Factory (LIF) trained over 4,000 individuals in the past three years. As part of a strategic agreement with MoIAT, LIF now supports the ministry’s Transform 4.0 programme, driving the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in UAE manufacturing.
Automation and digital transformation have led to major gains across EDGE operations, with production capacity doubling in some areas and improvements of over 40% in throughput and product quality. More than 65 projects have been completed, enhancing 24 facilities across 10 EDGE entities and generating over AED 180 million in value.
EDGE now operates over 170 manufacturing and assembly facilities in the UAE, forming one of the region’s largest and most advanced industrial infrastructures. These facilities support rapid development and delivery of complex defence systems.
ADVANCED CONCEPTS, an EDGE entity focused on next-generation technologies, recently expanded its rapid prototyping capabilities and launched a new CNC machining facility. These upgrades are critical to advancing the UAE’s autonomous systems and smart weapons programmes.
