February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

EDGE Group is the UAE’s advanced technology and defense conglomerate, established in 2019 to consolidate over 25 previously independent defense-related entities into a unified group. Organized into five core clusters covering platforms and systems, missiles and weapons, cyber defense, electronic warfare and intelligence, and mission support, EDGE develops and manufactures a wide range of defense products including unmanned systems, precision munitions, armored vehicles, cybersecurity solutions, and C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) systems. The group has rapidly ascended global defense industry rankings.

UAE Context

EDGE was created as part of the UAE’s strategic drive to build sovereign defense industrial capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign arms suppliers. The group brings together entities such as NIMR (armored vehicles), HALCON (precision munitions), and SIGN4L (electronic warfare) under centralized leadership, enabling technology sharing, operational efficiencies, and coordinated research and development. EDGE has entered the global top 25 defense companies by revenue within a few years of its founding, a remarkable achievement for a relatively new entrant. The group actively pursues international partnerships, joint ventures, and export contracts, positioning itself as a competitive player in global defense markets.

Key Data

  • Founded: 2019
  • Entities consolidated: Over 25 defense and technology companies
  • Five clusters: Platforms and Systems, Missiles and Weapons, Cyber Defense, Electronic Warfare, Mission Support
  • Global ranking: Top 25 defense companies by revenue
  • Employees: Over 15,000
  • Headquarters: Abu Dhabi

Significance for Vision 2031

EDGE Group represents a critical pillar of the UAE’s advanced manufacturing and technology transfer strategy. By developing indigenous defense capabilities, the UAE builds high-value intellectual property, creates skilled employment for nationals, and reduces strategic vulnerability to foreign supply disruptions. The dual-use technologies developed within EDGE, particularly in autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, have significant civilian applications that contribute to the broader knowledge economy objectives of Vision 2031.

  • Tawazun Council - Defense sector development body that oversees economic offset programs
  • Strata Manufacturing - Aerospace manufacturer within the UAE’s defense industrial ecosystem
  • Emiratisation - Workforce strategy supported by EDGE’s national employment programs