In Pictures: IDEX and NAVDEX 2023 open in Abu Dhabi with huge global participation

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court inaugurated the 16th edition of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2023) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi.

Visitors at the IDEX and NAVDEX Exhibition in Adnec in Abu Dhabi. The five-day event, one of the world's most significant defence exhibitions and the largest in the region, coincides with the 30th anniversary of the pioneering event's launch.

The current edition features the participation of 65 countries, a 10 per cent increase over the previous session and a 200 per cent increase compared to the first edition in 1993. Moreover, the number of national pavilions has increased to 41, marking a growth rate of 17 per cent compared to the previous session. Above, a general of Israel pavilion with visitors at IDEX and NAVDEX exhibition.

Visitors at the International Golden Group pavilion during the opening of IDEX and NAVDEX Exhibition 2023 at Adnec in AbuDhabi.

Hamad Salem Al Ameri, (right) CEO of CARACAL and Trais Ahmed Darwish Al Ketbi, President, Support Services of EDGE, shows the latest Made in UAE Caracal Sniper Rifle at their pavilion during the opening day of IDEX and NAVDEX Exhibition at Adnec in AbuDhabi.

Visitors view a weapons platform carrying "Desert Sting 16" GPS and laser-guided smart micro munitions manufactured by Halcon Systems at the EDGE pavilion during the International Defence Exhibtion (IDEX) at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre on February 20, 2023. (Photo by Ryan LIM / AFP)

Visitors tour past unmanned aerial and ground combat vehicles at the EDGE pavilion during the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre.

Visitors view mockups of ground vehicles as they tour the Russian pavilion during the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre.

Mockups of products by Turkish defence corporation Aselsan during the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre.

Tanzanian military officers attend a demonstration of assault rifles and other firearms.

Aircraft perform during an airshow at NAVDEX, an annual event alongside the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi.

A naval boat is seen during a water show at NAVDEX.