EU Defence Technology Forum in Abu Dhabi strengthens EU–GCC cooperation on advanced technologies
The European Union Delegation to United Arab Emirates, convened the EU Defence Technology Forum in Abu Dhabi, a high-level platform bringing together senior institutional, industry, and policy stakeholders from the EU, the UAE and the GCC countries.
The forum took place against the backdrop of rapidly evolving security dynamics in both regions. With increasing investment in defence, security, and advanced technologies, the event provided a timely opportunity to deepen EU–UAE cooperation and explore new avenues for joint innovation, industrial collaboration, and knowledge exchange between Europe and the Gulf.
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The forum featured high-level discussions on emerging defence technologies, innovation ecosystems, and opportunities for collaboration between European and local stakeholders. It also served as a platform to showcase European technological capabilities and identify concrete areas for partnership with regional counterparts..
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In her opening remarks, H.E. Lucie Berger, Ambassador of the European Union to the United Arab Emirates, said:
“Recently, the geopolitical context has changed in both our regions respectively and with it, we saw also remarkable transformations in the defence sector. I believe that our crises have brought us closer together as partners, and today, we are here to explore new possible ways for collaboration also in the defence sector.”
In a video message, H.E. Andrius Kubilius, EU Commissioner responsible for Defence and Space, said:
“These attacks by Iran on your country, on the entire region have been a wake-up call, in Europe and around the world. They show us that in dangerous times we must work together and the EU countries are reliable partners in dangerous times. The EU and UAE defence industry have a long track record of cooperation. This is the time to build on these partnerships and make them stronger.”
The Forum enabled direct engagement between decision-makers, defence authorities, and industry representatives from the EU, the UAE, and across the GCC, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing cooperation in defence innovation and emerging technologies.
Organised under the EU-GCC Economic Diversification II Project funded by the European Union, the EU Defence Technology Forum underscores the growing strategic importance of EU–GCC collaboration in addressing shared challenges and opportunities in the defence technology sectors.
