Under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Defence, the second edition of the Annual Communications and Information Technology Conference was held on 16 April 2025 at Erth Abu Dhabi. The event brought together senior military officials, government and private sector representatives, as well as leading experts in defence communications and advanced technologies. The conference forms part of the Ministry’s strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening military readiness and enhancing national defence capabilities through innovation and technological advancement.
The opening ceremony was attended by Major General Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Mohammed Al Balushi, Assistant Chief of Staff for Joint Capabilities at the Ministry of Defence, alongside a distinguished group of senior officials and specialists from the public and private sectors.
Strategic Vision
The conference commenced with a keynote address by Brigadier General Ali Yousef bin Roga Al Zaabi, Head of the Executive Directorate of Communications and Information Technology at the Ministry of Defence. In his remarks, Al Zaabi underscored the significance of the conference as a vital platform for shaping the future of defence capabilities. He highlighted its role in supporting the operational readiness of the UAE Armed Forces and positioning the UAE as a global hub for innovation and development in defence and advanced technologies.
Moreover, he emphasised the conference’s role in realising the goals of the UAE’s wise leadership, in line with the objectives of the “UAE Centennial 2071”, while serving as a key contributor to the advancement of military and defence technological systems on a global scale.
He added: “This conference provides a unique opportunity to explore critical issues, share knowledge, and engage with the latest global best practices. The presence of senior military officials, subject matter experts, and stakeholders from across various sectors affirms our collective commitment to adopting cutting-edge solutions and anticipating the future of defence communications.”
Main Sessions
The conference featured a series of expert-led sessions covering a wide range of topics focused on the role of communications and IT in boosting military capabilities and defence readiness. Discussions centred on the integration of advanced military technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, space communications, research and development, and cybersecurity.
Key areas of focus included:
The evolving threats posed by cyberattacks in the age of AI and quantum computing.
The future of advanced space systems, including small satellites and high-altitude platforms.
The impact of advanced radio technologies in modernising military communications.
Designing military network architectures using fine-grained segmentation for enhanced security and control.
Additionally, the experts explored the integration of AI-driven decision-making in military supply chains, and the strategic use of AI, quantum computing, and big data analytics to secure cyber and information superiority in future warfare. The sessions also highlighted the role of R&D and proactive preparedness in enabling communications for unmanned and autonomous systems.
Closing Remarks and Strategic Significance
In his concluding statement, Major General Al Balushi praised the conference for serving as a forward-looking platform that supports the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its armed forces and embracing the latest technological developments. He emphasised that events like this are essential for ensuring the nation’s qualitative edge in areas such as defence communications, space technology, and cybersecurity.
Strategic partners of the Ministry of Defence from across various high-tech industries participated in the conference, showcasing the UAE’s dynamic technological landscape and reinforcing its position as a regional and global leader in defence innovation.
