Abu Dhabi: More than 80 major exhibitors have confirmed their attendance at the inaugural Navdex (Naval Defence Exhibition), which will be held in parallel with Idex, the region's leading defence and security show.
It will be at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from February 20-24, under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.
Visitors to Navdex can expect to see the latest in naval defence technology with exhibits of warships, naval workboats and amphibious crafts, combat equipment, coastal security systems and sea-to-shore communication solutions.
The event will also feature a number of international naval vessels berthed alongside the Adnec marina and daily live on-water demonstrations.
In 2010, Arabian Gulf nations and Western Indian Ocean countries invested an estimated $6 billion (Dh22 billion) in naval and military defence technology, Jane's DS Forecast said.
The region's total naval spending in the 2010 — 2019 period is projected to reach $76 billion, with the largest market, India, projected to contribute nearly 65 per cent of spending. The UAE, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are expected to account for another 20 per cent of the market.
"The demand for naval defence equipment and technology in the region is growing exponentially and it is therefore no surprise that Navdex has attracted leading defence contractors to the inaugural event," said Mohammad Al Mashgouni, Idex and Navdex Show Director.
