IDEX 2025 – EDGE dominates the Abu Dhabi exhibition and looks at further expanding its footprint
Created in November 2019, EDGE has become not only the leading defence enterprise in the United Arab Emirates, but also a major player in the global defence industry scenario. Its growth is far from finished according to the top management, who met EDR On-Line during IDEX, where the group doubled the size of its stand compared to two years ago
In a period where most companies announce their annual results, Hamad Al Marar, the group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, anticipated some numbers to EDR On-Line; “I would say we have maintained the same revenue level of $5 billion, that’s because of the signed contracts and deliveries. What we can add is that we have a very well established order book, which is even growing. So, our backlog is not our concern.” To cope with increased orders, EDGE group is enhancing its production capabilities, modernizing its factories, and increasing the level of automation. All this to increase the production volume while possibly also quality. As for manpower, “today we stand at 14,000+ employees,” the CEO said.
The 2025 edition of IDEX was marked by a stunning number of new systems unveiled in the EDGE stand, showing the continuous thrust towards innovation. “We have established Advanced Concepts because it’s really important to have a bit of an out of the box thinking, we must not be afraid to experiment, and because we do not have years to spend developing, thinking or studying. We want these concepts to rapidly go into design, go into tests and see whether they should be taken further or not. That kind of activity requires a different calibre of engineering compared to normal. It is important that we have Advanced Concept on the stand, showing projects, in different stages of maturity; it inspires engineers, it incubates demand, and excites young talent to join us,” Hamad Al Marar underlined.
Some new products unveiled at IDEX were the result of cooperation with foreign companies, which were acquired partially or totally by the EDGE group. “Acquisitions do get you a few things. Where do we focus? First, we are looking at completing our offering faster. Second, we get access to an established ecosystem, supply chain, talent, and materials. Third, that entity becomes a gate for our products into that continent, so we expand. And this really is a mutual benefit, a benefit for both, instead of creating another competitor and establishing another supply chain and fighting for resources,” the Group’s MD & CEO said.
Without an economy of scale, due to the limited number in the national market, EDGE had to do things differently. “In my opinion, we have done it differently compared to others because we wanted to have a very economical base by which we can feed different components, and we wanted to have high-end jobs and high-end work done. That would give us a price advantage as well, and not put us out of the market. So, we had to do things small and differently,” Hamad Al Marar told EDR On-Line.
Another winning factor is the quick decision cycle typical of EDGE. “If you can take a decision faster you win. I think it touches on all and every aspect of life. If you can anticipate a delay, your supply chain will not be interrupted, or at least less interrupted. You have an advantage over someone else.”
Looking ahead, Hamad Al Marar underlines how much the United Arab Emirates are in the high-tech space.
“The enemy of big data, the enemy of servers, the enemy of AI, is energy.” The UAE are making considerable investments in AI, and EDGE follows this line, “We have the capability, and we complement it with the rest of the country.” the Group’s MD & CEO explained.
EDGE is also continuing to complete its offer. One of the latest examples is that of less than lethal ammunition.
“If I intend to invest in less than lethal ammunition, I have to go through a rigorous process of developing and qualifying a full set of products just to be able to capture a deal, let alone the risk of failure. We thus decided to acquire Condor, a Brazilian company that stands out as an international leader in that field. They have qualified products that cover all market needs; however, they have a disadvantage due to their location; they are good for the Americas but for the rest of the world they’re far away from everyone. So now, we are working together and we are bringing their manufacturing here, so we have two production plants, one in Brazil and one in the UAE, which allow us to serve all continents. This is how we are filling the gaps in our portfolio,” he explained. And this is happening with all the companies in which EDGE has invested.
As air weapons produced by EDGE were displayed under a fighter-shaped structure at IDEX 2025, but that obviously did not mean the Abu Dhabi-based company would be entering the fighter aircraft market. “We have many other priorities to look into before actually tapping into fighters.” Hamad Al Marar confirmed, “But, we would like to put on our systems on fighters, like our jamming pods, communication systems, and of course smart weapons. We have bigger potential there today than to step into what is in fact a relatively small market.”
That said, the EDGE portfolio is increasing year by year, and new products and new acquisitions will certainly be announced before the next edition of IDEX.
Photos by P. Valpolini
