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UAE, Israel to Jointly Design Unmanned Military, Commercial Vessels

A general view of the Burj Khalifa and the downtown skyline in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 12, 2021. REUTERS/Christopher Pike
A general view of the Burj Khalifa and the downtown skyline in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 12, 2021. REUTERS/Christopher Pike
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UAE, Israel to Jointly Design Unmanned Military, Commercial Vessels

A general view of the Burj Khalifa and the downtown skyline in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 12, 2021. REUTERS/Christopher Pike
A general view of the Burj Khalifa and the downtown skyline in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 12, 2021. REUTERS/Christopher Pike

Emirati state-owned defense conglomerate EDGE and Israeli state-owned aerospace firm IAI on Thursday signed an agreement to jointly design unmanned military and commercial vessels.

A joint statement said the "17 M" unmanned surface vessels would be designed to carrying out security operations, mine sweeping and surveillance, among other capabilities.

The United Arab Emirates and Israel established diplomatic ties last year in a deal brokered by the United States.

Faisal Al Bannai, CEO and Managing Director of EDGE Group, said: “It is an important milestone for EDGE to forge collaborations with leading defense players such as IAI to strengthen our advanced technology portfolio.”

“Through this strategic alliance, we can ensure optimal autonomous operational solutions that minimize risk to human life, address key challenges for various industries, and enable a secure future for all. These developments will open many doors for us in local and global markets, military and commercial alike,” he added.

President and CEO of IAI Boaz Levy said he was proud to join hands with EDGE in the new endeavor.

“This MOU brings together the best technological knowhow from both companies – EDGE Group’s and ADSB’ naval and commercial vessel expertise, and IAI’s expertise in autonomous systems, robotics, and artificial intelligence – for a joint Made in UAE effort, maximizing both companies’ business opportunities and growth,” he added.

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Saudi Arabia’s Relief Campaign Continues to Provide Aid in Palestine, Syria

Trucks near Jordan’s Jaber Border Crossing en route to the Syrian capital as part of the air and land relief bridges (SPA)
Trucks near Jordan’s Jaber Border Crossing en route to the Syrian capital as part of the air and land relief bridges (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia’s Relief Campaign Continues to Provide Aid in Palestine, Syria

Trucks near Jordan’s Jaber Border Crossing en route to the Syrian capital as part of the air and land relief bridges (SPA)
Trucks near Jordan’s Jaber Border Crossing en route to the Syrian capital as part of the air and land relief bridges (SPA)

The Saudi Popular Campaign to aid the Palestinian people in Gaza has reached a significant milestone, with donations surpassing SAR714 million (over $190 million) from more than 2.1 million contributors, according to official figures.

Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza on October 7, 2023, Saudi Arabia has dispatched 58 relief aircraft loaded with humanitarian supplies, coordinated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and the Ministry of Defense. The planes have carried shelter materials, food baskets, and medical equipment, all bound for Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

Launched in November 2023 under the directive of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the campaign has collected both financial and in-kind donations. Contributions include ambulances, medical supplies, food, baby formula, and dates. The initiative began with a generous personal donation of SAR50 million (more than $13 million) from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

As of March, the total weight of Saudi aid to Gaza via air and sea exceeded 7,188 tons, transported through 58 planes and 8 ships. The aid included shelter items, food and medical supplies, 20 ambulances, 30 power generators, 10 water tanks, and 62 logistical units. Air drops alone delivered over 39,200 ready-to-eat meals and 500 sets of parachute-assisted relief items.

KSrelief has implemented 131 projects in Palestine at a value of more than $514 million. These initiatives have focused heavily on food security, agriculture, health, and shelter, in addition to other sectors.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen. On Tuesday, the Gaza Ministry of Health reported the death toll from the Israeli offensive has reached 50,810 since October 7, 2023, with over 115,688 wounded. Since Israel resumed its attacks on March 18, following a two-month ceasefire, 1,449 Palestinians have been killed and 3,647 injured.

In Syria, KSrelief has remained a leading contributor through its “Sahem” donation platform, especially in response to the 2023 earthquake that struck both Syria and Türkiye. Donation opportunities include emergency aid, home reconstruction, and medical support—totaling nearly $140 million.