Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, with a wide international presence, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) participates in the 16^th edition of the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) which marks the fair's 30^th years anniversary. It is considered as one of the largest defense fairs at the regional and international level. It takes place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), from February 20-23.

UAEU has participated with several outstanding scientific research conducted by faculty members, and bachelor, master, and doctoral students focusing on innovation in specialized research projects. It is worth mentioning that this international event contributes to enhancing the international pioneering position of the UAE University as the center of innovation and scientific solutions as it enables the exchange of knowledge and experience with defense industry leaders.

Prof. Ahmed Ali Murad, Associate Provost for Research, emphasized that the participation of the UAEU in this international event is part of its strategic plan to enhance the university’s vision to become an innovation-based research university. Besides, it is a way to build strategic partnerships that seek to find scientific solutions to deal with challenges. He also explained that by participating in this edition of the exhibition, the UAEU presents the research outputs related to the innovative projects concerned with defense industry, such as, developed and innovative technologies and technical systems that can support and enhance the national defense industry in the country.

It is worth mentioning that the UAEU has participated with 8 innovative projects. One of them is the project on “identifying the possible variants of Corona virus that can emerge in order to combat genetic mutations and develop vaccines for potential future viruses” using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to predict spike protein mutations. This project is conducted by Prof. Abdulla Azzam Mahboob, of Chemistry Department at Science College, with the participation of the students, Sara Al Sawafi, Reem Saeed Al Amiri, Roaa Shahdh, and Maitha Al Nuaimi.

In addition, under the supervision of Prof. Yaser Greish and Hisham Abdulrahim at the Science College, the project entitled “Fog Harvesting- Renewable Freshwater Resource” is presented with the participation of the master students; Afra Ali Saif Al Humaidi and Hajar Makki, and the doctoral student Ahmed Obaidi.

The third project reviewed in the exhibition entitled “Wireless Antenna Multiplexer for Security Applications” introduces a multilayered wireless antenna designed to maintain safe and secure connection. This project is related to the field of space and safety and security technologies, and is presented by Prof. Mahmoud Al Ahmed, of Information Technology (IT) College, and the doctoral student, Lillian Joyce Among.

The College of Engineering has participated with the fourth project in the UAEU stand of the exhibition. Concerning Maritime Surveillance, the project is a prototype of a self-operating floating offshore platform equipped with robots for cruises, and ensures security and surveillance. This project is presented by Dr. Waleed Ahmed and Mr.Muthanna Azeez.

The Engineering College has also taken part with the fifth project which is about a prototype of a robot arm that has several applications including welding and many others. It is presented by Prof. Khalifa Hamad Hareb, the doctoral students; Aduel Usene and Vishak Suresh Kawar, and the undergraduate students; Faisal Al Wahedi and Salem Al Menhali.

Under the supervision of the National Space Science and Technology Center at the UAEU, the sixth project is conducted on “New satellite Al Ain Sat 1”, and is presented by the engineers; Mai Al Mazrouei and Shamma Al Aleisaei, to develop earth observation payloads for small satellite.

The seventh project is presented by Prof. Sayed Marzouk, of Chemistry Department at Science College. It concerns an innovative experimental model entitled “Gas Identification System”. Most importantly, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted the UAEU a patent for this innovative project.

The final innovative project is exhibited by the Engineering College, entitled “the Robotic Glove Controlling Drones”. It is carried out under the supervision of Dr. Tariq Dhaif, with the participation of the students; Hazza Al Suraihi, Mahmoud Murad, Faisal Al Jaberi, Rashed khudar, Shouq Al Mazrouei, and Shaima Al Shamsi. This project concerns a smart glove that can control drones using sensors operating by smart systems, and can be used by different groups, including people of determination.