UAE CBRN Defence Market Size and Forecast by Threat Type, Equipment, End User, and Platform: 2019-2033

UAE CBRN Defence Industry Outlook

The UAE CBRN defence market has emerged as a critical component of the country’s national security framework, driven by geopolitical sensitivities, technological modernization, and the imperative to protect civilian and military assets from chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. With its position as a strategic Gulf power and regional innovation hub, the UAE is significantly ramping up investments in CBRN detection, protection, and response systems. According to DataCube Research estimates, the UAE CBRN defence market is projected to grow steadily at a CAGR of 6.9% between 2025 and 2033. This growth is fuelled by a convergence of factors, including heightened regional instability, critical infrastructure vulnerability, and the rising threat of asymmetric warfare involving non-conventional weapons. 

The UAE’s defence apparatus, under the umbrella of the Ministry of Defence and in collaboration with the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), has outlined CBRN preparedness as a strategic priority. Recent policy frameworks emphasize the need for resilience against both man-made and natural CBRN incidents. In 2023, NCEMA conducted large-scale simulation exercises in partnership with the Armed Forces and Civil Defence teams to evaluate readiness and inter-agency coordination. These efforts underscore a broader governmental push toward integrated national response strategies, combining advanced technologies with organizational readiness.

Driving Forces: Technology Integration, Policy Reform, and Regional Security Dynamics

Multiple drivers are accelerating the momentum of the UAE CBRN defence industry, with technological innovation and proactive regulatory reform standing at the forefront. The UAE's Vision 2031 prioritizes a resilient, technologically advanced defense sector, integrating AI, robotics, and real-time analytics into the nation's emergency preparedness strategies. The CBRN domain is benefitting directly from these investments. In 2024, Abu Dhabi’s Tawazun Council initiated a joint research program with national universities and international tech partners to explore autonomous CBRN surveillance systems. This includes UAVs equipped with real-time chemical and radiological sensors to enable autonomous threat mapping—enhancing rapid response capability across critical infrastructure and border zones. 

Additionally, regional tensions and the proliferation of chemical weapons in neighbouring conflict zones have prompted the UAE to reinforce its border protection and response protocols. The deployment of forward-operating mobile decontamination units in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah in late 2023 signals a shift toward decentralized, rapid-response capability. Furthermore, growing participation in international CBRN initiatives—such as NATO’s Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) and the OPCW capacity-building programs—reflects the UAE’s commitment to international norms and best practices in CBRN risk management.

End-User Adoption: Military, Emergency Services, and Civil Infrastructure Safeguarding

Adoption trends across the UAE CBRN defence sector reflect a growing emphasis on cross-domain readiness—from military applications to civilian emergency preparedness. The UAE Armed Forces remain the primary end-user of CBRN technologies, investing in next-generation detection systems, personal protective equipment (PPE), and mobile decontamination solutions. In February 2024, EDGE Group subsidiary AL TAIF announced the procurement of next-gen CBRN reconnaissance vehicles for the UAE military, integrating advanced sensors and real-time data fusion capabilities. These systems will support surveillance in high-threat environments such as ports, oil terminals, and military bases. 

Meanwhile, civil defence and emergency medical responders are also enhancing CBRN capabilities, particularly in high-density urban areas and critical infrastructure nodes like airports, nuclear energy sites (e.g., Barakah Nuclear Plant), and desalination facilities. Dubai Civil Defence, in coordination with NCEMA, initiated a public-private CBRN awareness and training campaign in October 2023, targeting frontline health workers and industrial safety officers. Private operators in the oil and gas sector, such as ADNOC, have begun incorporating CBRN threat modelling into their occupational health and safety programs, particularly around hazardous chemical storage and processing plants. This whole-of-society approach is reshaping the UAE’s CBRN preparedness landscape.

Industry Performance and Ecosystem: Indicators Shaping Sectoral Growth

Several performance indicators are shaping the trajectory of the UAE CBRN defence industry, including defence budget allocations, technological patents, inter-agency drills, and foreign military sales. The UAE’s 2024 federal budget earmarked an estimated $23 billion for defence, with a significant portion directed toward threat intelligence and chemical-biological response modernization. Patent filings in the dual-use domain (detection, analytics, and decontamination systems) have risen XX.8% year-over-year, reflecting the sector's innovation pulse. Government-backed accelerators like the UAE Defence Innovation Platform (UDIP) are playing a crucial role in facilitating SME participation and fast-tracking next-gen CBRN solutions. 

Operational readiness metrics are also improving, evidenced by the successful execution of "CBRN Falcon Shield 2023"—a trilateral exercise involving UAE, France, and South Korea, focused on multinational response coordination. Furthermore, the UAE’s growing emphasis on defence exports is likely to position the country not only as a CBRN technology consumer but also as a future supplier, particularly to other GCC states and African allies. This pivot is supported by strategic reforms that promote local manufacturing and offset agreements, thereby strengthening the indigenous defence ecosystem while enhancing national resilience.

Market Landscape: Global Partnerships and Strategic Positioning

The UAE CBRN defence market is shaped by a blend of international OEMs, regional integrators, and emerging local innovators. Major global players like Thales, Smiths Detection, and Bruker have established regional offices or partnerships in the UAE, supplying key detection and analysis systems to defence and civil agencies. In parallel, regional defence firms such as Saudi Arabia’s Advanced Electronics Company (AEC) and Turkey’s Aselsan are vying for market share through joint ventures and technology transfer agreements. The UAE has strategically leveraged its neutrality and open-market policies to attract such players for co-development opportunities. 

Locally, EDGE Group continues to expand its CBRN footprint through subsidiaries like SIGN4L and EARTH, with recent contracts focusing on integrated threat intelligence, autonomous decontamination platforms, and radiation mapping drones. These developments align with the UAE’s broader aim to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and increase sovereign capability. Moreover, partnerships with research institutions like Khalifa University and Masdar Institute are reinforcing domestic innovation pipelines, particularly in biodefence and nanotechnology applications. Together, these players contribute to a diversified, innovation-led CBRN defence ecosystem that positions the UAE as a strategic hub for regional and international security collaboration.

Author: Surender K (Vertical Head – Aerospace & Defence)

*Research Methodology: This report is based on DataCube’s proprietary 3-stage forecasting model, combining primary research, secondary data triangulation, and expert validation. [Learn more]

UAE CBRN Defence Market Scope