UAE’s Edge Group is continuously growing and transforming, based on the requirements of its customers, says Hamad Al Marar is the Managing Director & CEO of Edge Group. Al Marar is responsible for the worldwide strategic, commercial, and operational management of Edge, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defence groups, covering over 35 companies in five strategic business clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Space & Cyber Technologies, Trading & Mission Support, and Homeland Security.
Al Marar sat with us for an interview on the sidelines of ADEX2024.
Literally, you now have an edge over everybody. How has the journey been so far?
I think the Edge group is very unique and diverse. We have gained the experience to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. Our international expansion plans are well planned, and we collaborate with frontline operators and international partners, leveraging advanced technologies such as autonomous systems, cyber-physical systems, advanced propulsion systems, robotics, and smart materials.
How do you plan to increase your footprint in the international market?
Our commercial footprint is growing substantially. Our international partnerships play a central role in strengthening our defence and advanced technology value chains. These collaborations support export growth, boost national capabilities, and enhance the UAE’s industrialisation strategy. We are present in over 50 countries and across five continents, solidifying our reputation as a global player and as a major exporter of defence systems. To capitalise on our growth, we will continue to pursue our aggressive product roadmap, harness and develop breakthrough technologies, strike partnerships with industry players, diversify our capabilities portfolio, and explore commercial opportunities locally and globally.
What about the challenges and competition out there? How do you face this challenge?
For all challenges, we find a solution. We never send a project mission which could be a disadvantage for the customer. Our facility combines theory, technology and practice under one roof to drive improvements and inspire an innovative approach to transform future processes and products. Our forward-thinking strategy helps us maintain our competitive superiority in a rapidly evolving industry and, crucially, enables us to meet our growing client requirements effectively. Aligning business is not only through a relationship with a particular country, but also through bilateral cooperation. Each one can learn from the other. There are areas in which there is minimum overlap, and in which the two entities can profit from each other.
How do you see the defence landscape with security unrest in the region?
Today, the world finds itself in an increasingly uncertain and precarious position, making tomorrow’s security landscape unpredictable and the defence industry vulnerable to sudden changes. Disruptive technologies, such as artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, secure communications and cybersecurity, are already critical in driving national security.
That is why Edge is heavily investing in all of these priority domains, to ensure we stay ahead of tomorrow’s national security and critical infrastructure concerns. At Edge, we ensure that we are positioned to respond in real-time to the growing needs of our clients, such as the critical demand for operational readiness, international supply chain reinforcement and access to advanced autonomous aerial systems, land systems, cyber defence infrastructure and secure communications solutions.
What are your future plans?
Edge is aggressively pursuing its product development roadmap and is fast becoming a partner of choice in the domains of autonomous systems, smart weapons, electronic warfare and secure communications. A large portion of the group’s robust growth strategy is anchored in its acquisitions of highly-specialised defence companies and small and medium-sized enterprises. With our innovative and modern production approach, we will continue to have the edge in this competitive world of defence technology.
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