Abu dhabi: The International Defence Conference (IDC) 2026 is set to take place on the eve of the seventh edition of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX) and Simulation and Training Exhibition (SimTEX) 2026. Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, and Chairman of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, IDC will be held at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi on 19th January 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, organised by ADNEC Group, in association with the Tawazun Council of Defence Enablement and the Ministry of Defence, this year's IDC will take place under the theme of "Smart Horizons: Redefining Defence Through Intelligent Autonomy". IDC 2026 is a leading global platform for defence and security leaders to meet and tackle the most pressing challenges shaping the future of defence. This year's theme will explore how emerging technologies are reshaping societies, transforming defence ecosystems and influencing the global security landscape.
Sessions will focus on the benefits and challenges that intelligent autonomous systems bring to modern battlefields, highlighting their potential as well as the complex issues they introduce, as participants engage in forward-thinking discussions on building resilient defence ecosystems and promoting international cooperation.
Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary-General of Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, noted the significance of the conference as a strategic platform for the exchange of insights and the development of high-value partnerships. He emphasized the importance of enhancing defence readiness and technological self-reliance, driven by artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of ADNEC Group, mentioned that the conference, held alongside UMEX and SimTEX 2026, acts as a catalyst for global innovation in unmanned systems, simulation, and autonomous systems. The gathering is set to bring together defence leaders, industry pioneers, innovators, and policymakers to address challenges and opportunities shaping the future of defence.
The conference will feature three panels throughout the day, including Command Networks of the Future - The New Nerve System of Defence, which will investigate AI-powered systems' role in reshaping command, control, and communications. The second panel, The Autonomous Force - Integrating AI into Joint and Tactical Operations, will explore the integration of intelligent and unmanned systems into joint operations across various domains. IDC 2026 will conclude with the panel Global Autonomy Standards - Building Trust, Safety and Readiness, focusing on integrating validation, security, and moral standards in military platforms.
Taking place a day before UMEX and SimTEX 2026, IDC brings together experts to chart a path toward a safer future. UMEX and SimTEX continue to serve as pivotal events for advancing the unmanned systems sector.