Leading United Arab Emirates defence and security companies participated in the 19th Defence Services Asia exhibition and conference that opened on April 20, 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, according to the Emirates News Agency. The UAE National Pavilion featured innovations from prominent national firms seeking to engage the expanding Asian defence market, WAM reported on April 13 ahead of the opening. This step forms part of ongoing national efforts to elevate the global profile of Emirati defence manufacturers.
The four-day event running through April 23 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre stands as Southeast Asia’s leading defence and security platform, the organisers stated. It facilitates dialogue among industry leaders, officials and specialists on new technologies and security concerns. The concurrent fourth edition of NATSEC Asia broadens the focus to national security and resilience topics, the DSA website noted.
Figures from the DSA organisers place the exhibition across 48,000 square metres hosting 1,400 companies from 60 countries. The programme is projected to draw 50,000 trade visitors from 114 countries in addition to 500 foreign delegations from 40 countries. Thirty-five international group pavilions and approximately 500 media representatives complete the attendee profile.
GlobalData data published in March 2026 sets the UAE defence budget at $27.2 billion for the year, achieved through a 7.3 percent compound annual growth rate from 2022. The assessment anticipates the budget will expand to $39.4 billion by 2031 while the acquisition segment rises from $7.5 billion in 2026 to $10 billion. These allocations have supported development of a competitive domestic defence manufacturing base.
An ADNEC Group release on its website described the DSA 2026 participation as an opportunity to present state-of-the-art solutions to Asian buyers. The group coordinated the national pavilion via its events management arm, continuing its oversight from the 18th edition in 2024. Emirati participants focused on aerospace systems, advanced electronics and integrated security offerings during the exhibition.
The event took place under the patronage of Malaysian Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution, according to the organisers. Such ministerial involvement highlights the exhibition’s role in advancing regional defence cooperation. Coverage by Sharjah24 on April 23 reported that the UAE National Pavilion concluded its participation on a high note.
