Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems opens branch in UAE

Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems opened a branch in the UAE on Sunday as part of long-term security cooperation between the two countries, which normalised ties last year.

The company - creator of the Hermes military drones and photoelectric reconnaissance systems - said in a statement that it will manage the coordination of technology solutions for users and lead technology transfer to local partners.

It "will seek to foster a long-term cooperation with the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces", the statement read.

The firm's Vice President Ran Kril said the UAE and other countries in the region were "important new markets for Elbit Systems".

The opening comes as Israel Air Force Commander General Amikam Norkin travelled to Dubai to take part in the Dubai International Air Chiefs' Conference as part of the Dubai Airshow for the first time ever.

Israel's Defence Minister Benny Gantz and other senior defence officials are expected to visit Dubai next week to open the Israeli pavilion at the four-day air show.

The UAE fully established diplomatic ties with Israel last year, along with Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan, in what was known as the Abraham Accords.

Israel already shares relations with Egypt and Jordan.