UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Thursday a delegation from EDGE Group, the UAE-based advanced technology and defence solutions company.
His Highness expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the group’s leadership, praising EDGE’s advanced technological solutions and successful international partnerships, which contribute to strengthening the UAE’s position as a global hub for technology and innovation.
His Highness also highlighted EDGE’s role in developing national industries and building a strong base of Emirati talent in the sector, supporting the UAE’s development vision based on economic diversification and a knowledge economy, UAE national news agency WAM reported.
The EDGE delegation expressed its appreciation to His Highness and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s strategic priorities and contributing to its future ambitions and global competitiveness across key sectors. The delegation added that EDGE continues to strengthen its position among the world’s leading advanced technology and defence groups.
The meeting was attended by a number of Sheikhs, Ministers and officials.
In another development, EDGE Group on Thursday signed an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in Costruzio ni Motori Diesel S.p.A. (CMD), a leading Italian company specialised in the design, prototyping, and development of advanced propulsion systems for automotive, marine, and aeronautical applications.
The signing ceremony took place at the CMD plant in Atella, in the Basilicata region of Southern Italy.
The agreement, which is subject to customary closing conditions and applicable regulatory and governmental approvals, represents a strategic move to expand EDGE’s footprint in advanced engineering, Industry 4.0, and power solutions.
CMD, recognised for its expertise in precision engine components and powertrain technologies, is expected to benefit from increased capital investment and access to new regional and international markets, while contributing its 35-year legacy in the development and manufacturing of high-performance, high-quality engines for land, sea, and air applications.
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, said: “By entering into this agreement with CMD, we are taking an important step in building a highly capable European propulsion hub that will complement and reinforce EDGE’s global industrial footprint.
“Through CMD’s proven expertise in piston engines and advanced propulsion technologies, we will accelerate the development of competitive, export-ready products that meet the most demanding requirements of our aeronautical, automotive, and marine customers,” he added.
EDGE outlined plans to scale CMD’s manufacturing capabilities, accelerate research and development initiatives, and enhance its position across both conventional and next-generation propulsion systems.
The transaction is designed to unlock synergies by combining CMD’s engineering heritage with EDGE’s global reach and financial strength.
Mariano Negri, Chief Executive Officer of CMD Group, said, “Joining forces with EDGE represents a powerful industrial opportunity for CMD, our employees, and our partners. With EDGE’s support, we will be able to scale our technologies, expand our international reach, and invest further in innovation, while maintaining and strengthening our Italian industrial roots and our commitment to quality, reliability, and technological excellence.”
Leaders from both organisations emphasised a shared vision centred on innovation, sustainability, and long-term value creation. The combined platform is expected to strengthen its ability to meet evolving demands across the automotive, aerospace, marine, and industrial sectors, while supporting continued growth and technological advancement.
Founded in 1989 by the Negri family, whose engine-making legacy dates back to before the Second World War, CMD has spent over 35 years designing, prototyping, and developing high-performance piston engines for the automotive, marine, and aeronautical sectors. The company has earned an international reputation for technical precision, innovation, and uncompromising quality standards.
