EDGE, Barzan Holdings sign deal to create strategic defence JV

EDGE Group and Qatar’s Barzan Holdings have agreed to establish a strategic joint venture focused on the collaborative development of advanced defence technologies, strengthening long-term industrial cooperation between the UAE and Qatar.

The agreement was formalised at a signing ceremony held at DIMDEX 2026, which opened today (20 January 2026) in Doha. The new joint venture is intended to support the co-development of technologies aligned with evolving national security requirements in both countries, while reinforcing sustainable industrial capabilities across the UAE and Qatar.

UAE, Qatar form defence partnership

Under the partnership, EDGE and Barzan Holdings will combine complementary strengths in technical expertise, operational insight and industrial capacity. The aim is to enable a more integrated approach to the development and delivery of advanced defence solutions, while supporting sovereign capability building and long-term resilience in both markets.

The joint venture reflects a shared focus on innovation, localisation and industrial growth. By working together, the two groups intend to accelerate the development of next-generation technologies that respond to modern defence and security needs, while also creating opportunities for skills development, knowledge transfer and industrial expansion.

EDGE is showcasing its full range of capabilities at DIMDEX 2026, where visitors can engage with the group’s portfolio throughout the exhibition, which runs until 22 January at the Qatar National Convention Centre.

Launched in November 2019, EDGE has rapidly established itself as one of the world’s leading advanced technology groups, with a focus on defence and related sectors. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the group brings together more than 35 entities across five core clusters, covering platforms and systems, missiles and weapons, space and cyber technologies, technologies and industrialisation, and homeland security.

The group is focused on the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and the development of sovereign capabilities for both domestic use and global export. Its work spans areas such as autonomous systems, cyber-physical technologies, advanced propulsion, robotics and smart materials, with an emphasis on delivering tailored solutions at speed and scale.

Barzan Holdings, meanwhile, plays a central role in strengthening Qatar’s defence and security ecosystem. As the commercial gateway for the country’s military industry, the company prioritises partnerships that support capability development, knowledge exchange and investment in innovative defence technologies.

Through a growing portfolio of global investments and joint ventures, Barzan Holdings positions itself as a hub for defence-related knowledge and technology, supporting efficient delivery and execution to meet Qatar’s security requirements.

The new joint venture underscores the deepening defence and industrial ties between the UAE and Qatar, signalling a shared commitment to collaboration, innovation and long-term capability development in an increasingly complex global security environment.