UAE Defence Companies Council 2024: A Record of Achievements

The UAE Defence Companies Council (EDCC) has wrapped up 2024 with a series of notable accomplishments, reinforcing its pivotal role in advancing the nation’s defence and security industries.

This year witnessed the council’s active participation in organising the UAE National Pavilion at various local and international exhibitions. It also collaborated with peer organisations and member companies to host forums that significantly contributed to the growth of the defence sector.

These initiatives align with the UAE’s vision for a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation while bolstering national industries and promoting local content.

Sustaining Global Excellence

Throughout 2024, the UAE maintained its distinguished global standing across various developmental, economic, and social indices. Central to this achievement were the innovative strategies and initiatives spearheaded by the EDCC, which aligned seamlessly with the country’s national agenda.

The council’s membership grew notably during the year, reflecting the increasing interest of defence institutions and companies in leveraging EDCC’s support to expand their activities. This growth underscores the EDCC’s role as a key driver of economic development and supply chain integration within the UAE’s defence industry.

Expanding Activities and Partnerships

In 2024, the council accelerated and diversified its activities, including organising the UAE National Pavilion at high-profile defence exhibitions and hosting forums to foster partnerships in defence-related industries. Moreover, EDCC facilitated the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with peer organisations and supported agreements among its member companies.

These efforts were complemented by the council’s dedication to showcasing the UAE’s rich heritage and values during international exhibitions. By working closely with relevant authorities, EDCC ensured that its participation presented a dignified and authentic representation of Emirati culture. This approach highlighted the UAE’s commitment to tolerance and peaceful coexistence, further enhancing its global reputation.

Celebrating Homegrown Success

The council takes pride in its achievements, which underscore the UAE’s leadership in defence manufacturing and the excellence of Emirati-made products. These successes are a testament to the solid foundations laid by skilled and talented national cadres in this sector.

None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the unwavering support and guidance of the UAE’s wise leadership, as well as the strategic partnerships with entities such as the Ministry of Defence and the Tawazun Council. The enthusiastic engagement of member companies further contributed to the council’s impactful initiatives.

Media Engagement and Future Goals

One of the council’s key achievements this year was securing the trust of the Ministry of Defence, which commissioned EDCC to develop media content and oversee the production of a televised programme showcasing the significance of the UAE’s defence industries. This initiative reflects the council’s growing influence and credibility.

Looking ahead, the UAE Defence Companies Council remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving its strategic goals. It aims to continue serving as a national platform that supports its members’ aspirations while proposing initiatives that drive growth and expansion opportunities for member companies. These efforts will further cement the UAE’s leadership in the dynamic and vital defence sector.

About the Council

Established in 2014 with the support of the UAE Ministry of Defence and the Tawazun Council, the UAE Defence Companies Council (EDCC) serves as the primary organisation uniting national companies in the defence industry and international companies operating within the UAE.

The council fosters effective communication channels between decision-makers and specialised companies, enhancing local capabilities and advancing the UAE’s defence manufacturing sector.

Today, the council boasts a membership of over 400 local and international companies specialising in defence, security, and related industries. It plays a pivotal role in supporting local industries, providing an ideal platform for knowledge exchange, partnership building, and expanding cooperation between UAE-based companies and their global counterparts.

The council’s objectives include optimising engagement with national defence companies, identifying their needs, and promoting a culture of collaboration between government entities, private sector companies, and defence institutions. It also focuses on developing local capabilities, advancing manufacturing, and opening new horizons that benefit the national economy and bolster the growth of Emirati companies.

Additionally, the council facilitates the exchange of technical and scientific expertise among its members, encourages investment in the UAE’s defence sector, and supports research, studies, and the organisation of conferences and workshops to advance the industry.

In 2022, EDCC introduced a new strategy aimed at solidifying its role as a link between national defence companies and potential members.

The strategy’s goal was to strengthen the local defence industry, leverage expertise to build a robust industrial base, and create joint production opportunities that align with the UAE’s aspirations. This vision was reflected in the enhanced UAE National Pavilion, which symbolises the country’s innovation, values, and commitment to excellence.

EDCC Core Roles:

Ensuring adherence to policies governing the defence industry.

Contributing to the establishment of a robust defence manufacturing base in the UAE.

Facilitating relationships between local and international defence companies and relevant UAE authorities.

Identifying business opportunities and projects for its members.

The UAE National Pavilion: A Symbol of Pride and a Bridge to Global Relations

The UAE National Pavilion stands as a proud testament to the trust placed in EDCC by the nation’s leadership. Tasked with representing the UAE at international defence exhibitions, the pavilion goes beyond being an exhibition platform—it is an ambassador carrying the UAE’s identity and message to the world. Built on the principles of excellence, innovation, and authenticity, the pavilion embodies the UAE’s rich heritage and future aspirations while fostering global relationships.

The pavilion’s design reflects Emirati identity, incorporating colours inspired by the nation’s heritage and an innovative design that blends tradition with modernity. These elements serve as key components in enhancing the UAE’s presence on the global stage.

Beyond its role as a platform to showcase the country’s industrial and defence capabilities, this Pavilion is a strategic venue for fostering dialogue and collaboration with fraternal and friendly nations, opening new horizons for fruitful partnerships that align with the aspirations and vision of the UAE’s wise leadership.

This integrated approach has elevated the National Pavilion’s status as a distinguished global platform, showcasing the UAE’s capabilities and innovations and proudly reflecting the nation’s spirit and cultural heritage.

The UAE’s National Pavilion embodies the nation’s cultural identity in every detail. It goes beyond merely representing the country; it carries with it the sentiments of love, loyalty, and generosity that unite us all under the banner of the homeland. Representatives of the pavilion from various participating Emirati companies proudly wear the traditional Emirati attire, reflecting a spirit of belonging and the values of tolerance, cooperation, and mutual respect upon which the UAE was founded by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace.

Hospitality plays a central role in the pavilion’s presence, with visitors and delegations welcomed in true Emirati fashion. This warm reception leaves a lasting impression, reflecting the openness and generosity of the UAE people. The pavilion team embodies these values in their work, ensuring every visitor experiences the professionalism and attention to detail that has made the pavilion a focal point at major defence exhibitions worldwide.

As a strategic platform, the UAE National Pavilion facilitates connections with official delegations and global enterprises through meetings, collaborations, and the exchange of best practices. It underscores the UAE’s role as a nation embracing diversity, fostering partnerships, and pursuing peace and progress.

The pavilion is a beacon of the UAE’s aspirations and achievements, representing a legacy of innovation and cultural pride. It narrates the UAE’s story of excellence, carrying forward the nation’s vision with determination and creativity, offering the world a glimpse of what the UAE can achieve through its unwavering spirit and authentic values.

Pavilion Design

The UAE National Pavilion has been strategically designed to embody the strength and progress of the Emirati defence industries. Featuring a robust structure and precisely angled panels, the pavilion symbolises precision in manufacturing and reflects the spirit of national resilience.

The visual identity has been thoughtfully integrated into the design, incorporating the UAE flag along with colours that represent the nation’s rich heritage. This deliberate approach to design has not only added a strong aesthetic appeal to the pavilion but also enhanced the visitor experience by meticulously organising product displays and spaces.

The result is a comprehensive national pavilion that combines allure and elegance, showcasing the UAE’s defence capabilities with clarity. It has become an iconic representation at international defence exhibitions, highlighting the UAE’s exceptional participation and presenting the capabilities of its industrial sector with innovation, accuracy, and national pride in every detail.

EDCC’s Memorandums of Understanding and Strategic Agreements

UAE Space Agency MoU: Signed during the third edition of the “Make it in the Emirates” Forum, this agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in the space and defence industries.

Ministry of Defence MoU: Focused on collaboration in the field of defence media content.

Indian Defence Industries MoU: Signed with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) during the UAE-India Defence Industries Cooperation Forum, the MoU aims to bolster cooperation between UAE and Indian companies, facilitating technology transfer and joint projects.

Turkish Defence and Aerospace Group MoU: Signed with the Defence and Aviation Cluster (OSSA) during the UAE-Turkey Defence Industries Cooperation Forum, this agreement supports enhanced interaction between UAE and Turkish defence and security companies.