RIYADH –

The UAE companies taking part in the UAE National Pavilion have concluded a successful participation at the inaugural edition of the Saudi National Security and Risk Prevention Expo (SNSR) that kicked off in Riyadh on November 4-6.

The three-day Expo, held under the patronage of Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz Bin Saud Bin Naeyf Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, saw an impressive activity by the UAE companies who showcased their latest products and solutions, as well as the innovative and advanced land, sea and air defense technologies, through the UAE National Pavilion.

The event also witnessed signing of strategic partnership agreements, MOUs and contracts, demonstrating the quality and competitive advantages of the UAE defense and security industries.

Tareq Abdulraheem Al Hosani, Chief Executive Officer of Tawazun Economic Council, said the strong Emiratis participation at the SNSR, which concluded on Tuesday in Riyadh, portrayed the deep-rooted relations between the two brotherly countries.

He added that in keeping with the directives Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, great emphasis is placed on enhancing the strategic partnerships with the Saudi organizations.

“Great importance is also attached to creating a significant access to the emerging Saudi market, in the light of the rapidly growing economic and commercial cooperation,” Al Hosani noted.

The UAE Pavilion at SNSR was the biggest participation for a national pavilion in international events. The Pavilion covered a space of 1,200 square meters and featured 25 leading Emirati companies, specialized in defense and national security-related products and services.

Al Hosani concluded by saying: “The UAE and Saudi Arabia have come a long way in bolstering bilateral relations, with the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council playing a pivotal role in accelerating cooperation on defense, political, economic, commercial and cultural domains.”

According to official statistics, there are 206 Saudi projects in the UAE while there are 114 joint Emirati-Saudi projects, valued at SR15 billion. On the other hand, the total value of Emirati investments in Saudi Arabia stands at $9 billion.

Major General Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al-Balushi, Head of the Executive Directorate of Industries and Development of Defense Capabilities at the Ministry of Defense, said the national defense and security industries sector has made a tremendous progress, thanks to the continuous support of the wise leadership.

He commended the UAE Pavilion’s participation at the Saudi National Security and Risk Prevention Expo (SNSR), saying the UAE is keen to have a large presence in such events to showcase the progressive security and risk management solutions and to highlight its vision for global peace and security, cooperation with brotherly and friendly countries and the joint efforts to confront common risks and threats.

Major General Al Balushi underlined the importance of participation as a move that signifies the strong bonds between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

He also referred to defense industries as one of the key areas for cooperation between the two countries, especially after the announcement in last June of the ‘Strategy of Resolve’, a joint vision for economic, developmental and military integration.

“The extensive Emirati participation in this event emanated from the country’s approach of building strategic partnerships with the world’s leaders in defense manufacturing, as well as seeking to share expertise and best practices in a way that would enhance innovation within the UAE defense industries sector.”

He praised the advanced ‘Made in UAE’ products and solutions displayed at the Pavilion during the event, which covered the sectors of Aviation & Aerospace. Armoring systems, Artillery systems, CBRNs, C4, ISR, EW, AVIT, Cyber security, Logistical support, Munitions and missiles, Military vehicles, Naval vessels, Space and satellites, Training and simulators Service provision and R&D.

The UAE Pavilion at SNSR featured 25 of the UAE’s most prominent companies specialized in national security-related products and services, including autonomous systems, mapping, telecommunications, maintenance and repair operations, cybersecurity, logistical support and technical development. — SG