In 2023, the UAE hosted the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) and Naval Defense Exhibition (NAVDEX). Both events secured $6.56 billion dollars in deals for the UAE armed forces. Since 2019, Abu Dhabi has sought to increase its domestic output of military equipment to supply its forces.

The focus of the UAE arms industry is to secure the nation’s strategic interests and diversify the economy. The Emirates often champions government-owned defence company EDGE, the 25th globally ranked exporter of arms. As such, the company is the leading weapons company in the UAE and a major indicator of trends in the UAE’s defence industry in 2024. 

Key Judgement 1. The UAE is likely to leverage their international relationships and domestic priorities to expand their defence industry over the next 12 months.

Key Judgement 2. BRICS members and African nations will likely pursue UAE weapons exports over the next 12 months.

Key Judgement 3. EDGE is very likely to become the UAE’s primary exporter of weapon systems in the next 12 months.