Emirati companies showcase competitive products and services at UMEX 2016

Abu Dhabi, March 8th, 2016 (WAM) – Local companies like the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments Company, ADASI, secured a deal worth more than AED1 billion with the government, continue to showcase their products and services in the unmanned sector as part of the second day of UMEX 2016. Speaking to WAM on the side-lines of the event, Ahmed Al Blooshi, Programme Manager Operations at ADASI, said that the AED1.327 billion was signed with the UAE Airforce to supply 8 aircrafts P1 HH unmanned air vehicles, spare parts, and crew training on the system, as well as providing day and night cameras, radars and very advanced communication systems. ADASI manages, operates, and maintains unmanned systems for the UAE Armed Forces and their different branches based on their customised needs. As a reliable one-stop solution provider within the autonomous systems industry it delivers tailor-made systems based on requirements. "ADASI is a leader in the region when it comes to providing turn-key solutions for clients," said Al Blooshi. Al Blooshi said that ADASI was established in 2007 when there was a need for unmanned systems, and since technology in the defence sector has been advancing very rapidly and it is, like many others, is trying to keep up with these advancements. This week, ADASI is in UMEX 2016, and has previously taken part at IDEX and the Dubai Airshow as a platform to engage with different companies and seek-out partnerships and avenues to promote and develop. "There is a growth in this sector because there is a need for it. I think the unmanned system will take over the man system with time," Al Blooshi explained. "It’s a very successful experience being at UMEX. Last year UMEX was part of IDEX and there was a huge demand, and our space was smaller, but this year since it is now independent, we can see growth in number of participating companies involved in unmanned systems, it is a very specialised exhibition and helps people in the industry get connected more easily," he said. "Abu Dhabi is trying to diversify its economy and not just focus in oil and one of the major things we are trying to focus on is aerospace. We have the right resources and blessed with a good leadership which foresees the future as one filled with good opportunities," he added. Another local company, Emirates Training Technology, ETT, is also participating as part of the co-located Simulation and Training Exhibition 2016. Abdulla Abdul Qader, Business Development and Strategy Director at ETT, said that the growing Abu Dhabi-based company, which is a joint venture between Cubic and Emirates Defence Technology is primarily focused on strategic technological systems and services for the defence market. The company offers three main products and services which are Range Design and Training Services, QucikRange, and the PRISim Marksmanship and Judgmental Training Simulators. The Range Design and Training Services draws upon 30 years of experience to provide turnkey solutions in outdoor range facilities, indoor static, and tactical ranges. "We provide the design, the build, the operation and the maintenance," said Abdul Qader. Abdul Qader said that ETT facilities are used to train the Armed Forces and law enforcement and commercial clients as well. "Between our partner companies we have over 35 years’ experience doing such things," he said. The second service, the QuickRange is a complete full service, prefabricated, modular live-fire shooting range that can be delivered ready to use. "This basically sees us taking normal shipping containers like an ISO container, bring it to our manufacturing facility and convert it to an indoor, ballistic proof shooting range," he said. We provide the steal and rubber protection and the necessary bullet traps and exhaust and ventilation system that can support live fire ammunition and also laser fire. The third product, the PRISim and judgmental training simulators offers a simulation suite that teaches all aspects of fire arms handling, using either live firing or laser fire. "Targets can be static or moving with a real terrain using graphic engines to create a realistic environment for trainees," he explained. The company uses a local manufacturing facility, and through its partner companies it supplies architects, designers, in house specialists and sub-contractors. "What sets us apart is that this laser system is manufactured in the UAE by Emiratis. We hope to create a UAE-based, local centre of excellence for range design and training services in general to help the local economy, employ Emiratis, and provide world-class products," Abdul Qader concluded. – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/economics/1395292514903.html