In pictures: Aerial drones of the future on show as Umex 2022 opens in Abu Dhabi

The Middle East's largest event dedicated to drones, robotics, components and unmanned systems will last three days

The Scorpio-B can be equipped with remote weapon systems, twin 40mm grenade launchers, pan-tilt-zoom cameras and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance sensors with the possibility to mount various payloads of up to 200kg. All photos: Victor Besa / The National

The VooDoo-M Multi-Mission Thermal Sight by Pixels.

The UKRSPEC Systems drone.

Robotic Targets by Marathon Target Australia.

Abu Dhabi Police smart Police Car.

AUH Police Smart Police Car.

AM Industries stall.

Mahgoub Omer attaches the foam mixer of the RS3 firefighting robot by Thermite.

The Abu Dhabi Police VR Rowing Machine.

Cristanini CBRN decontamination system.

Schiebel Camcopter S-100.

The Kaman Kargo drone. Victor Besa / The National

Emirati aeronautical engineers test the Interdata system at UMEX.

The Skeldar V-150.

The PE-04 by Etimad.

DOK-ING presented Komodo, an innovative remote-controlled robotic system for operations in extreme nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) conditions at its headquarters in Zagreb. It is a unique machine that can operate in conditions of an open fire, explosion, collapse, high concentrations of explosive and toxic substances, as well as in terrorist threats.

Edge's Shadow series drone is displayed on the opening day of Umex at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

A Hunter 2-S drone, which can be used in 'swarming' air-to-ground attacks.

The Edge stand at Umex.

The Garmoosha by Edge is displayed on the opening day of Umex.

The QX-6, another Edge product.

An unmanned Amed Robotic Vehicle.

The 71S by Edge.

The QX-3 by Edge.

The Scorpio-B by Edge.

The Edge Shadow series.

The Unmanned Systems Exhibition & Conference opened its doors at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) on Monday.

The exhibition focuses on the defence, environmental, civil and humanitarian benefits of unmanned systems and is attended by regional government delegations, industry, military and civilian authorities from across the globe.

The event lasts three days and this year also includes a Simulation and Training (Simtex) zone.

The day before the exhibition opened, Emirati defence company Edge unveiled swarms of armed aerial drones that can overwhelm enemy ground targets.

Experts and officials attending the event hope to continue exploring challenges and opportunities that have emerged as a result of artificial intelligence and the fourth Industrial Revolution.