How EDGE moved to geofence the UAE within 48 hours of February 28 escalation

On February 28, EDGE Group deployed its systems along the UAE’s shore border and established a geofence around the country within 48 hours of the escalation, according to Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group. This swift response was made possible by the company's years of preparation, as Al Marar explained in an exclusive interview with Gulf News.

EDGE oversees more than 25 companies spanning various sectors, including defense, space, cyber technologies, and homeland security. The CEO emphasized that the UAE's readiness could not have been achieved overnight, but rather through decades of preparation. While the conflict did not force the company to change its technology strategy, it did accelerate certain capabilities.

EDGE is now looking to bring some technologies forward sooner and explore partnerships with international partners such as Europe, South Korea, India, and the US to shorten development and qualification timelines. The CEO highlighted the importance of working with established technology partners to move proven systems into deployment quicker, while ensuring compatibility and interoperation within the region.

Al Marar also stressed the value of localizing technology within the UAE, as it allows for quicker adaptation to changing threats. The company already possesses significant technology and manufacturing capabilities in the UAE, but external expertise can still be brought in as needed. Looking ahead, EDGE will continue to focus on counter-drone systems, electronic warfare, and cyber security, aiming to improve autonomy, ease of use, and range in their future systems.

The company also envisions deeper defense cooperation across the Gulf, including shared manufacturing and strategic technology hubs, to better address common security requirements and support equipment from within the same region.