The UAE inaugurated on Tuesday a military and security industrial entity, through which it aims to make the country a prominent global player in the field of advanced technology.
Edge will combine 25 government-owned and independent companies to create one of the Middle East’s biggest defense groups, including government-owned Emirates Defense Industries Company, the Emirates Advanced Investments Group and Tawazun Holding.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, deputy supreme commander of the armed forces.
Edge aims to develop the potential of a wide range of industries, from pioneering innovations in the heavily invested defense sector, with priority given to national security.
Sheikh Mohammed said his country is keen to adopt the latest solutions, advanced technology applications and industrial intelligence in line with its development approach and ambitious future vision.
This step will be used to serve development and sustainability in various aspects, he added.
“Technology constitutes an essential pillar in developing the state capacity and achieving its aspirations.”
It provides solutions, tools and means that contribute to achieving goals, overcoming challenges, exploiting available opportunities and rationalizing resources in order to attain the desired UAE’s national sustainable development, he explained.
He pointed out that the UAE seeks with strong will, unremitting efforts and confident steps and various elements to establish itself as one of the advanced technology hubs and the headquarters of the most important developers, specialists and researchers in this promising vital area.
Edge Chief Executive and Managing Director Faisal al-Bannai, for his part, said Edge will invest extensively in various R&D areas and will work closely with front-line staff to design and implement effective solutions that would address real global challenges.