Rabdan Academy to convene regional defence leaders for strategic dialogue on drone warfare

The Rabdan Security and Defence Institute brings together military experts, researchers and policy makers to examine how unmanned systems are reshaping modern conflict and national security across the Gulf.

On 19 November, Abu Dhabi will host a gathering of senior military strategists, defence technologists and security specialists assembled to examine one of the defining transformations of contemporary warfare. The Middle East Defence Conference, convened by the Rabdan Security and Defence Institute at Rabdan Academy, will explore the profound implications of drone technology across the region’s defence landscape, from military doctrine to critical infrastructure protection and industrial capability.

The conference emerges at a moment when unmanned systems have transcended their role as supporting military assets to become central actors in reshaping power dynamics and strategic thinking. James Morse, President of Rabdan Academy, observes that these developments demand a comprehensive reassessment of how nations approach defence strategy, resilience and technological advancement. “Drones have become a significant factor in reshaping the nature of warfare, the balance of power, and national security requirements,” he notes, emphasising that countries must strengthen both their protective capabilities and their defence industrial base to meet evolving threats.

The three substantive panel discussions form the intellectual architecture of the conference. The first, titled ‘Future Warfare – Drone Lessons from Conventional and Unconventional Conflict’, will draw lessons from recent conflicts to examine how unmanned systems are transforming military operations and doctrine. The second panel, ‘National Resilience – Defending Against the Drone Threat’, addresses the practical challenge of protecting communities and critical infrastructure through detection, interception and defence systems, alongside questions of institutional coordination. The third, ‘Defence Industry and Technology – Procurement, Production, and Disrupting the Supply Chain’, explores how the region’s defence industrial base can develop production capabilities and local manufacturing while managing supply chain vulnerabilities.

Dr Naji Al Seiari, Dean of Faculty and Research and Innovation Division Director at Rabdan Academy, emphasises the institute’s commitment to connecting rigorous academic research with the sector’s real operational needs. The conference will include the launch of the BLUF Research Report on Key Findings and Strategic Conclusions, alongside student presentations that bridge contemporary scholarship with active security challenges. This integration of academic knowledge with defence policy reflects Rabdan Academy’s broader mission to translate research into actionable insights for decision makers.

The gathering reflects a wider institutional commitment across the UAE to strengthening defence capabilities through knowledge exchange and strategic partnership. As the region continues to address evolving security challenges, UAE defence and security entities are showcasing advanced technologies and securing strategic partnerships on the global stage, while simultaneously building the human expertise and analytical capacity required to meet future threats.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The conference represents a significant statement of Abu Dhabi’s role as a centre for serious strategic thinking on security and defence matters. By hosting leading military minds and defence experts from across the Gulf and beyond, the emirate reinforces its position as a hub for sophisticated policy dialogue on the technological and operational challenges defining the region’s security environment.

For Abu Dhabi’s own security and defence apparatus, the gathering offers both an opportunity to contribute expertise and to absorb insights from international peers. The integration of academic rigour, military experience and industry perspective creates the conditions for developing more resilient defence strategies and capabilities, particularly as unmanned systems continue to reshape the operational landscape across the region.

Source: WAM