Abu Dhabi, UAE—Tawazun Council, the defense and security acquisitions authority for the UAE armed forces and Abu Dhabi police, has established a free zone for military and security sector in Tawazun Industrial Park
The 2.8-square-kilometer zone has been established to commence operations related to defense and security industries and associated activities, including electronic and technological activities, clear-cut metal industries, safety and security, research and development, as well as logistics services, an official statement said.
Tawazun Industrial Park is a regional center for defense and security industries. Investors positioned at the park have access to markets in Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the Middle East and North Africa, free of custom fees.
Tawazun Council recently spent billions on arms from home-grown firms at a defense fair in Abu Dhabi this week, underlining a shift away from Western suppliers.
By the end of the five-day show on Friday, the UAE had signed more than 50 deals worth $6.3 billion. They include at least $5.9 billion signed with local firms at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX).
It highlights the UAE’s strong support for domestic firms including EDGE, a consortium that was set up in 2019. The oil-rich monarchy also focused on local companies when it spent $5.7 billion at the biennial arms show’s previous edition in 2021.
The UAE has reduced arms imports by more than 40 percent over the past decade, taking it from the third to the ninth largest importer globally, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
The UAE was the second largest recipient of US arms between 2012 and 2016 but dropped to eighth place between 2017 and 2021, SIPRI said.
The consortium also inked a partnership licensing agreement to develop small arms for the Indian market.
EDGE “represents the objective of Abu Dhabi to create one leading actor in terms of the development of local military capabilities”, Samaan said.
“It aims to become a regional actor of the arms market.”