EDGE, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defense groups, has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with SAHA Istanbul, a respected association representing more than 1,000 Turkish defense companies, for deeper cooperation between the UAE and Türkiye.
The signing was held at a Summit hosted exclusively for EDGE by SAHA Istanbul which facilitated several introductory and exploratory meetings between EDGE and Turkish companies.
EDGE has also chosen the summit to announce that it is inaugurating a dedicated office in the UAE named MALATH, which will act as a catalyst for new business engagement between EDGE and SAHA companies, marking a new chapter in UAE-Türkiye cooperation in the advanced technology and defense sectors, and creating greater growth opportunities across the wider region and beyond.
The signing of the strategic cooperation agreement provides a framework for both sides to identify collaborative opportunities for joint development, and will enable EDGE to leverage Türkiye’s advanced ecosystem and robust supply chains.
The agreement was signed by Mr. Mansour AlMulla, EDGE Group Managing Director & CEO, and Mr. İlhami Keleş Vice Chairman of SAHA Istanbul, and witnessed by His Excellency Faisal Al Bannai, Chairman of EDGE Group, and Mr. Haluk Bayraktar, Chairman of SAHA Istanbul. EDGE will also sign more than 20 further agreements with other Turkish companies operating within the country’s technology and defense sectors.
Faisal Al Bannai Chairman of Board EDGE
“Today, we forge a path of strategic alliance with SAHA Istanbul and its member companies, enabling us to tap into Türkiye’s rich ecosystem and robust supply chain. This cooperation will not only pave the way for innovation but also strengthen the ties between our nations, fostering a sustainable future for our industries.”
Mr. Bayraktar, said that “SAHA Istanbul, with more than 1,000 members, has a goal of developing the technological and sectoral competencies of its members, and to support the formation of a strong ecosystem by supporting the cooperation between these members for the continued development of Türkiye’s sovereign capabilities including exports land & naval platforms, state-of-art unmanned aerial vehicles, and electronic warfare systems.
“The association is working hard to bring companies, universities, and governmental institutions together and is accelerating the formation of new partnerships between them, while encouraging international companies and organizations to cooperate with Turkish companies by organizing these kinds of meetings. We believe our partnership with EDGE will be very fruitful for both sides besides and is an important step for the technological development of both our countries,” Mr. Bayraktar added.
Mr. AlMulla, stated that “The industry summit and the subsequent strategic cooperation agreement between EDGE and SAHA highlight our mutual determination to strengthen our capabilities and drive growth in the advanced technology and defense sectors. The opening of MALATH will further solidify our endeavors in trading, joint development, advanced manufacturing, and R&D investment.”
The summit is also being attended by major UAE defense industry stakeholders including the Ministry of Defense, Tawazun, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), and the Emirates Defense Companies Council (EDCC).
The event is a significant platform for Türkiye’s leading advanced technology and defense manufacturers, SAHA Istanbul companies, and EDGE to demonstrate their capabilities and explore potential areas of collaboration, reaffirming the commitment of both nations to exchange innovative ideas and explore collaborative opportunities in the defense and aerospace sectors.
