News DeskAbu Dhabi, UAE – The International Defence Conference (IDC) 2026 will bring together global defence and security leaders in Abu Dhabi on January 19, 2026, focusing on the growing impact of intelligent autonomy on global security and defence ecosystems.
Held under the patronage of His Highness 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, the conference will take place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, ahead of the seventh edition of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX) and the Simulation and Training Exhibition (SimTEX) 2026.
Organised by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement and the Ministry of Defence, IDC 2026 will be held under the theme “Smart Horizons: Redefining Defence Through Intelligent Autonomy.” The conference will serve as a high-level platform for strategic dialogue on how artificial intelligence and autonomous systems are reshaping modern defence, societies and the global security landscape.
Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, said the conference comes at a pivotal time for the global defence sector. “Rapid transformations driven by artificial intelligence and autonomous systems highlight the importance of IDC as a strategic platform for exchanging insights and building high-value partnerships that enhance defence readiness and technological self-reliance,” he said.
He added that Tawazun remains committed to strengthening the defence innovation ecosystem, empowering national industries and enhancing integration between government, industrial and technology sectors, in line with the UAE’s vision of building a sustainable, knowledge-driven defence sector.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said the conference, held alongside UMEX and SimTEX 2026, plays a vital role in advancing global innovation in unmanned, simulation and autonomous systems. “This influential gathering unites defence leaders, policymakers, innovators and industry pioneers to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of defence and security,” he said.
IDC 2026 will feature three high-level panel discussions. The opening panel, “Command Networks of the Future – The New Nerve System of Defence,” will examine the role of AI-powered systems in transforming command, control and communications, as well as the policy and resilience challenges of digitally networked forces.
The second panel, “The Autonomous Force – Integrating AI into Joint and Tactical Operations,” will explore the integration of intelligent and unmanned systems across land, air, sea and cyber domains, drawing lessons from recent conflicts and evolving human–machine collaboration at the tactical level.
The conference will conclude with “Global Autonomy Standards – Building Trust, Safety and Readiness,” focusing on the development of international standards, ethical frameworks and security measures to foster trust in autonomous military platforms and enhance cooperation among allied nations.
Taking place on the eve of UMEX and SimTEX 2026, IDC aims to chart a collective path toward a safer and more secure future, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for defence dialogue and innovation.
