International Defence Exhibition opens in Abu Dhabi on Sunday

Abu Dhabi: The 11th edition of International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex 2013), and second edition of Naval Defence Exhibition (Navdex 2013) a tri-service exhibition in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) will open at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) on Sunday.

The event which will be held under the patronage of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan,  will run until February 21 in coordination with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ and Tawazun. The event will be the most strategically important defence show in the world.

The UAE will host the largest country pavilion at this year’s Idex. More than 147 UAE-based companies will be exhibiting across 12,500 square metres of exhibition space. Among those with the largest space reserved include Tawazun, headline sponsors of the exhibition, with 2,918 square metres reserved, and Mubadala Development Company, with 1,870 square metres.

“Abu Dhabi’s hosting of Idex and Navdex over the last two decades promotes Abu Dhabi’s standing in the international exhibition industry given its successful strategic investment in defence industries and advanced technology in consistence with its quest for economic diversification under the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030,” said Major General Obaid Al Ketbi, Chairman of the organising committee for Idex.

“The UAE policy adopts the safe and peaceful co-existence approach for its citizens and residents living on its land,” Al Ketbi added, stressing that organisation of the international biennial event highlights the state’s commitment to security, safety and stability of the region and its firmed policy of respect for others. “As the largest defence exhibition in the Middle East and one of the most strategically significant on the global stage, Idex has great significance for Abu Dhabi and the region,” said Colonel Khader Al Aydarous, head of the Idex 2013 media committee.

Increase in attendance

Idex said in a statement that in 2011, the event attracted more than 60,000 attendees and 1,060 exhibitors from 52 countries while this year 1,112 companies representing 59 countries and 38 national pavilions will occupy an exhibiting area of 124,000 square metres at the twin event Idex and Navdex.

“More than a core opportunity to conduct business, the exhibition represents our Emirate to the world. We believe there is significant opportunity this year to articulate a broader story around Idex to a regional and international audience reflecting our advanced defence industries and prominence as a global exhibitions hub,” said Al Aydarous.

VIPs, leaders of world business community and defence industry will attend the opening event and more than 77 defence ministers, 79 top commanders and chiefs of staff and military delegates from 82 countries will be attending the launch of Idex 2013.