UAE Defence Industries Command Global Stage at SOFEX Jordan 2026

A unified national pavilion showcasing Emirati technological prowess draws official delegations and industry leaders, whilst strategic partnerships advance regional cooperation in defence and security.

The opening day of the Special Operations Forces Exhibition and Conference at Aqaba’s International Exhibition and Convention Centre witnessed a powerful statement of Emirati industrial capability. His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein toured the UAE Pavilion, where the nation’s leading defence and security entities converged to present their latest innovations and solutions.

The pavilion, supported by the UAE Ministry of Defence and the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, brought together an impressive assembly of expertise. EDGE Group, Multi Level Group, NICOMATIC and Houbara showcased advanced technologies spanning autonomous systems, electronic warfare, cybersecurity and precision effects, alongside defence focused publications Nation Shield and Al Jundi Journal. The unified platform proved immediately effective, welcoming 1,105 visitors and hosting 29 high-level meetings on day one alone.

The calibre of engagement reflected both the breadth of Emirati technological advancement and growing international interest in regional industrial capabilities. Official delegations from several Arab and international nations engaged directly with exhibitors, whilst representatives from defence institutions, special operations units, law enforcement agencies and international organisations explored opportunities for collaboration.

Among the pavilion’s most significant developments, EDGE Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Jordan Design and Development Bureau to explore areas of potential collaboration and strengthen industrial ties between the UAE and the Kingdom of Jordan. Participating entities held a comprehensive series of meetings with industry leaders, government representatives and international companies to identify future cooperation opportunities across the defence and security sectors.

Capital Events, the event management arm of ADNEC Group, used the platform to advance Abu Dhabi’s own defence and security exhibitions. The team engaged exhibitors and industry stakeholders regarding the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX), UMEX, and the International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience (ISNR), as well as the 2027 editions of IDEX, the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX), and the International Defence Conference (IDC), scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi from 25th to 29th January 2027.

Held biennially under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, SOFEX Jordan stands as one of the region’s leading defence and security exhibitions, drawing government officials, specialists and manufacturers from across the globe. The UAE Pavilion remains accessible through 29th October 2026 at Hall 2, Stand H201, continuing to create pathways for commercial and industrial cooperation whilst raising awareness of the specialised defence and security events organised by ADNEC Group.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The pavilion’s success underscores the UAE’s position as a dynamic centre of defence innovation and industrial capability within the region. As Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen regional partnerships and foster international cooperation in the defence sector, exhibitions such as SOFEX Jordan provide vital platforms for showcasing Emirati technological prowess and establishing frameworks for long-term collaboration with international counterparts.

The strategic engagements conducted at SOFEX Jordan, particularly the memorandum signed between EDGE Group and the Jordan Design and Development Bureau, exemplify how Abu Dhabi’s defence industries are building sustainable partnerships across the region. These developments support broader efforts to advance industrial cooperation and technological exchange, positioning the UAE as a trusted partner for nations seeking cutting-edge defence and security solutions.

Source: WAM

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