Abu Dhabi: The latest edition of the Middle East's largest defence exhibition — International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex 2011) where global arms manufacturers vie for deals worth billions of dollars every two years, was opened here yesterday by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
He was accompanied by General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, senior government officials and diplomats.
A gala ceremony displaying the might of the UAE Armed Forces on land, air and sea marked the opening of Idex 2011 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. On display were the latest combat aircraft, tanks and naval ships which demonstrated their combat readiness.
Latest inventions
Shaikh Mohammad praised the participation of local, national and Arab companies in the exhibition. He said that Idex presents an opportunity for specialists and people interested in the technology sector and advanced defence equipment to learn about the latest inventions in this field.
He also praised the precision in organising the event and easy access provided to visitors of the exhibition's wings and stands, which enables visitors to comfortably browse the presented products.
Within this context, Shaikh Mohammad highlighted the expertise and knowledge of the nation's youth to manage, organise and efficiently work in all types of operations and sectors, which enhances the UAE's position both regionally and globally.
He added that this places the UAE among the most favourable countries for investors, industrial companies, and businessmen. Some 1,060 exhibitors from 53 nations occupying 108,000 square metres of space and 32 country pavilions are participating in Idex with as many as 151 firms from the UAE.
The exhibition will showcase the latest defence equipment and services for land, sea and airborne systems with participants including national and international delegations, procurement officials, industry analysts, military strategists as well as the world's leading defence contractors.
"This opening ceremony has been a truly spectacular display of a wide array of land, air and sea vehicles.
The preparation has entailed weeks of diligently rehearsed choreography and logistics and brought together the very best that the Armed Forces has to offer in technical operations and display, with nations both at home and abroad working together to make this happen," said Major General Obaid Al Ketbi, Head of Committees and Spokesman for Idex 2011.
"The remarkable display we have seen here today sets the tone for the 10th edition of Idex and the inaugural Navdex, which we expect to be hugely successful in the coming days both for the exhibitors and visitors to the event, but also for the Abu Dhabi and UAE community as a whole," he added.
More than 50,000 visitors including 150 official delegations will attend the event throughout the week, for what is now the largest Idex that's been held to date since the show's inception in 1993.
Heightened security
Heightened security concerns due to civilian unrest in some Middle East and Arab countries and escalating tensions between the West and Iran could see wealthy oil-producing Gulf states ramp up their defence spending. Crowds have taken to the streets in Libya, Yemen, Iran and Bahrain in recent days, inspired by revolts in Tunisia and Egypt.
At the last Idex in 2009, more than 900 firms showcased their wares and the UAE announced deals worth Dh18.5 billion. It is widely expected that the deals that are going to be announced by the UAE during the latest edition of Idex will exceed the figure of 2009.
Figures released by the US Congress last year showed that the six Gulf states signed arms deals worth about $66.9 billion from 2002 to 2009.
- 53 countries participating at Idex 2011
- 32 country pavilions at exhibition
Displays: Opening salvo
The day started with the playing of the UAE national anthem accompanied by the fly-past of the UAE and Idex flags by two Chinook helicopters, escorted by two Apache and Blackhawk helicopters, an Idex spokesperson said. Air force displays included an exciting routine by Mirage and 5 F-16 fighters.
The displays then shifted to video footages featuring the UAE's land, navy and air force capabilities before revving up again to observe the presidential guard undertake a live on-water hostage rescue scenario involving CH-47 Chinook helicopter, UH 60 Blackhawk helicopter, two AS 550 Fennec helicopters, and two RHIB fast craft.
The presidential guard also presented a CT storming of a single storey building — supported by a Blackhawk and an array of assault vehicles.
An air and land demonstration followed as ten skydivers wearing UAE-flag themed wingsuits dived from 8,000 feet while stunt bikers performed stunts on a mobility track below. Military bands including the Royal Australian Navy band, the New Zealand Army Band, and the UAE Military Band played stirring anthems representative of each country's culture and defence heritage.
Finally, as the UAE military lined up with flags of participating nations, a culminating pyrotechnic display and the performance of the UAE's Al Fursan Aerobatic Team marked the end of the ceremony.
