In the past decade, Abu Dhabi has undertaken substantial reforms to reshape its defense landscape. The government’s integration of 16 small firms into the Emirates Defense Industries Company (EDIC) in 2014 marked a pivotal move as it established EDIC as the country’s premier arms manufacturing and services provider. Concurrently, the Tawazun Economic Council (TEC), formerly the UAE Offset Program Bureau, has been instrumental in funding local industrial initiatives. In a recent development, TEC unveiled the Defense and Security Development Fund, boasting an initial capital injection of $680 million. Abu Dhabi’s security industry has moved from a procurement-first to a manufacturing-first model in a remarkably short period of time. Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), established in 1996, initially focused on naval repairs and refits. Over time, the company expanded its capabilities into shipbuilding, gaining prominence when the UAE Navy selected ADSB to construct six Baynunah-class corvettes in the mid-2000s. While the first vessel was developed in France, the subsequent five were proudly manufactured within the UAE. ADSB’s reach extends beyond national borders with exports of landing craft to Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait in recent years. In a groundbreaking move in 2017, the UAE announced a collaborative project with Russia to manufacture a fighter jet. This strategic decision not only reflects Abu Dhabi's ambition to develop a technologically advanced military platform but also signifies enhanced relations with Russia, a noteworthy player in the Gulf arms market. Finally, Abu Dhabi took center stage during the IDEX 2021, when the news first broke that Calidus, an Emirati company, inked a memorandum of understanding with Saudi-based GDC Middle East for the export of the B-250 light attack aircraft across the region. As Abu Dhabi continues to forge strategic alliances and invest in cutting-edge technologies, its security industry emerges as a real contender on the global stage.