Over the last two decades, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has cast its bid as an up-and-coming player in the global security landscape on the tail end of a rapid technological transformation that has greatly expanded its defense strategies and capabilities. Traditionally a net importer of military equipment, the UAE is now actively working towards building its own defense manufacturing capabilities rather than relying on defense imports solely. The UAE’s defense procurement budget allocates substantial resources to the UAE Air Force Air Defense (AFAD). Following closely are the Land Forces, Presidential Guard, and the Navy, which reveals a comprehensive approach to its national defense. A look into the defense procurement agenda presents a sizeable list of cutting-edge equipment and technologies meant to outfit UAE’s military forces from the ground up: missile defense, precision fires, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), command and control, expeditionary logistics, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). The rapid expansion of the UAE National Guard Command (NGC) has climbed close to the top as a strategic priority in order to safeguard critical infrastructure, including water desalination plants, oil and gas platforms, pipelines and the Barakah nuclear power site. The defining aspect of the UAE's emerging security industry is serious investment into local manufacturing. Seeking partnerships to cultivate indigenous manufacturing capabilities and knowledge transfer, the UAE envisions projects that not only cater to local demands but also position the nation as a global exporter in defense technologies. Opportunities abound in areas like MRO and military training, where the UAE Armed Forces engage private and government contractors, both within and outside the UAE. The outsourcing of non-core military service activities reflects a strategic approach to leverage expertise and resources efficiently. As the UAE marches forward in enhancing its defense capabilities, it’s going to shift dynamics within the global defense industry as a whole.