By Staff Correspondent
The EDGE Group, established in November 2019, has emerged as a formidable player in the global landscape of advanced technology and defence. As it marks its fifth anniversary, EDGE reflects on a transformative journey characterized by unprecedented growth, strategic partnerships, and groundbreaking innovations. This remarkable ascent has not only redefined the realms of advanced technologies and sovereign defence capabilities but has also positioned the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a beacon of innovation and technological excellence on the world stage.
Since its inception, EDGE has significantly expanded its product portfolio, increasing from 30 to 201 cutting-edge solutions across diverse domains, including air, land, sea, and cyber. This rapid growth of over 550% within just five years is a testament to the group’s commitment to innovation and excellence. Furthermore, EDGE has successfully scaled its global footprint, with its solutions now reaching customers in an impressive 91 countries. The surge in international orders, from USD 18.5 million in 2019 to over USD 2.1 billion in 2024, underscores the group’s expanding influence in global markets. Annual revenue has also seen remarkable growth, reaching USD 4.9 billion in 2024, driven by strategic investments and a relentless pursuit of innovation.
H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Chairman of EDGE Group, aptly encapsulated the essence of this journey. He remarked, “In a constantly evolving and highly competitive international defence landscape, it was almost inconceivable that a new disruptor from the UAE could, in just five years, rise so rapidly to become a global industry player punching way above its weight across multiple domains.” This statement highlights not only the ambition and vision of the UAE government but also the dedication and expertise of EDGE’s diverse workforce, which has been instrumental in propelling the group into a new era of international growth.
The progress of EDGE has been marked by substantial investments in research and development, resulting in groundbreaking advancements across various domains, including air, land, sea, cyber, and space. The group’s focus on autonomous solutions, smart systems, and electronic warfare demonstrates its ambition to lead in these critical areas. By continuously setting new benchmarks and forging mutually beneficial partnerships worldwide, EDGE has solidified its position as a national vanguard of future technologies.
The group’s swift ascent has been further underscored by a series of landmark contracts. As of September 2024, EDGE Group-managed companies have secured an impressive order backlog totalling USD 12.8 billion, ensuring sustained revenue growth through the delivery of strategic defence solutions to end users. In 2023 alone, EDGE secured over 200 major contracts, with 25% representing international agreements. By September 2024, international contracts accounted for 42% of the group’s order intake. Notably, EDGE secured a EUR 1 billion contract to supply corvette vessels to the Angolan Navy, marking a significant milestone in its naval capabilities. Additionally, strategic agreements with the UAE Armed Forces, including USD 1.62 billion for DESERT STING precision-guided munitions and USD 582 million for THUNDER, illustrate EDGE’s pivotal role in addressing the unique needs of both local and international clients. The group’s leadership in precision-guided munitions was further acknowledged by JANES in 2024, which recognized EDGE among the top three global manufacturers in this field.
Moreover, EDGE’s strategic vision is reinforced by a total of 13 international acquisitions and investments, including stakes in key companies such as Estonia’s MILREM Robotics, Switzerland’s ANAVIA, Brazil’s non-lethal tech leader Condor, and smart weapons specialist SIATT. These acquisitions have enhanced EDGE’s capabilities across multiple domains, unlocking opportunities in cutting-edge sectors and strengthening its competitive edge on the global stage.
Since its inception in November 2019, EDGE has rapidly emerged as a preeminent advanced technology group in the United Arab Emirates, spearheading the development of agile, bold, and disruptive solutions across various sectors, notably defence. The organization’s substantial growth trajectory can be attributed to its strategic partnerships, innovative emphasis, and commitment to cultivating a talented workforce. Central to its success is the establishment of a robust network of 23 joint ventures, which enhances its expertise, extends its competitive edge, and positions EDGE as a formidable player on the global stage.
A particularly noteworthy development in this expansive network occurred in May 2024 when EDGE formalized the launch of MAESTRAL, a joint venture with the renowned shipbuilding giant Fincantieri in Abu Dhabi. This partnership is indicative of EDGE’s strategic acumen in aligning with industry leaders to bolster its shipbuilding capabilities. In the same month, a pivotal agreement was reached with Spain’s Indra Sistemas to co-develop and manufacture radar systems within the UAE, further reinforcing EDGE’s market presence and technological prowess. Such collaborations exemplify EDGE’s commitment to not only maintaining but also enhancing its status as an innovator in key domains.
Furthermore, EDGE’s strategic foray into South America underscores its ambition to establish a global footprint. The inauguration of a regional office in Brasília in April 2023 marked a significant milestone in this expansion. Following this, EDGE entered into a groundbreaking agreement with the Brazilian Navy to co-develop MANSUP anti-ship and supersonic missiles. This partnership has evolved into a broader collaborative framework, wherein EDGE is positioned as a long-term ally to the Brazilian Navy, engaging in co-investments aimed at developing advanced defence solutions, including UAE-developed anti-jamming technologies. Most recently, the agreement to cooperate on anti-drone systems further solidifies this strategic alliance and demonstrates EDGE’s adaptability in responding to emerging threats.
The success of EDGE, however, is not solely predicated on strategic partnerships; it also hinges on attracting and retaining a diverse and skilled workforce. With over 14,100 employees representing 95 nationalities, EDGE is deeply committed to developing human capital. A significant focus on Emiratisation reflects the group’s dedication to integrating UAE nationals into its operations, with local talents constituting 23.5% of its workforce. The establishment of the EDGE Learning & Innovation Factory in 2022 has proven pivotal in upskilling employees and fostering a culture of innovation that is crucial in the fast-evolving technological landscape. To date, over 3,600 employees have undergone advanced training, enabling EDGE to become a leader in the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies.
Recognition of EDGE’s workplace culture and operational efficiency has garnered it significant accolades, including certification as a Great Place to Work® in 2024. This recognition underscores the organization’s commitment to employee engagement and satisfaction. In addition, the ROI-EFESO INDUSTRIE 4.0 Award received in November 2022 exemplifies EDGE’s leadership in innovative Industry 4.0 solutions. The ‘Treasury Transformation’ award at the ACT Middle East 2024 further highlights its achievements in financial innovation, consolidating EDGE’s reputation as a pioneering force in operational excellence.
As EDGE enters its sixth year, its unwavering commitment to its founding mission remains evident: to be agile, bold, and disruptive in the pursuit of technological excellence. Through its strategic focus on partnerships, innovation, and talent development, EDGE stands poised to continue influencing the future of advanced technologies, both within the UAE and on a global scale. Its dedication to driving the adoption of 4IR technologies not only supports the development of sovereign capabilities for global export but also significantly contributes to national security imperatives.
EDGE epitomizes the dynamic potential of advanced technology groups in the modern landscape. Through its multifaceted strategies—ranging from strategic joint ventures to a steadfast commitment to workforce development—EDGE is not merely participating in the global technological revolution but is actively shaping its trajectory. As it navigates the challenges and opportunities of the future, EDGE’s role as a catalyst for change in the defence sector and beyond is both ambitious and commendable.
