Abu Dhabi: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Public Works and Chairman of the National Media Council, said that the tenth edition of the International Defence Exhibition (Idex 2011) which opens today in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is strong evidence of the success of the event since it was launched in 1993.
Shaikh Hamdan said the continued success of the exhibition highlights the efficiency and competence of the UAE to organise major events in keeping with international standards. "Such exhibitions create more opportunities in the UAE in the fields of science, knowledge, investment and industry," he said.
He added that the constant support of General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, as well as concerted efforts of various individuals and organisations involved in organising the exhibition had ensured that all elements for its success were in place.
Shaikh Hamdan assured that there is effective coordination between the National Media Council (NMC) and the Higher Organising Committee for Idex 2011, especially with regard to media coverage at the local, regional and international levels until the event concludes on Thursday.
He said that the National Media Council would pursue extensive media coverage of the exhibition through its arm, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) at the local, regional and international levels.
The NMC has also extended invitations to a number of journalists covering the defence sector outside the country, he added.
Pointing out that 950 defence exhibitors from 50 countries will participate in the event, Shaikh Hamdan stressed that the exhibition itself is not a goal but a means of promoting the nation and its institutions, as well as to highlight its various achievements in the fields of economy, culture, tourism and investment.
Parallel event: Gulf defence meet opens
Shaikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser, yesterday inaugurated the Gulf Defence Conference (GDC), which coincides with the 10th edition of Idex, at the UAE Armed Forces Officers Club in Abu Dhabi.
Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces Staff Lt. General Hamad Mohammad Thani Al Rumaithi, Major General Obaid Al Hairi Salem Al Kitbi, head of the organising committees of Idex, and Staff Major General Eisa Saif Al Mazroui, Deputy Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, were present.
The event was also attended by a number of senior military and civilian officials, including ministers from Arab and foreign countries, who converged on Abu Dhabi to attended Idex. Also present were Arab and foreign diplomats.
Staff Lt. General Al Mazroui stressed the commitment of the UAE through Idex to boost peace and further defence policies based on mutual respect, non-aggression and adoption of dialogue as a means for resolution of conflicts.
The GDC, organised by Inegma (Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis) on behalf of Adnec (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company), is the official conference of Idex.
