Meet Hamad Al Marar who transformed EDGE into a global defence powerhouse
Hamad Al Marar, originally an accounting graduate, now leads the UAE-based EDGE Group as its MD & CEO, transforming it into a global defence powerhouse in under five years. His entry into the sector was unplanned, starting as an analyst in the UAE's Offset Programme Bureau, and he quickly advanced through key roles in ammunition, sniper systems, and unmanned technologies, including the country's first air-to-ground missile project. Al Marar played a pivotal role in consolidating defence, cybersecurity, and homeland security entities to form EDGE in 2019. Under his leadership, EDGE has grown to over 14,000 employees and made significant strides in international exports, autonomous systems, AI, and electronic warfare. Despite his non-technical background, Al Marar attributes his success to hard work, strategic thinking, and purpose-driven leadership, emphasizing innovation and a bold vision to position the UAE as a global hub for advanced defence technologies.