Discusses Ways to Cooperate, Turn Leading Events into Unparalleled Success Stories

Abu Dhbai, UAE, July 31, 2016:  The higher organising committee of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2017) and the Naval Defence Exhibition and Conference (NAVDEX 2017) today held its first meeting. Chaired by His Excellency Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Head of the organising committee, the meeting drew the participation of representatives from related national entities.  

Both IDEX 2017 and NAVDEX 2017 will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, between 19 and 23 February, 2017 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The mega events will be organised by ADNEC in collaboration with the UAE Armed Forces. 

The higher organising committee of the mega events was announced on 24 July 2016 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Following the meeting, His Excellency Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Khalfan Al Mazrouei said: “IDEX is a leading international defence and security event and one of the largest globally. Since it was launched 23 year ago, it has evolved to become an attractive forum for decision makers and the biggest global companies specialised in this vital sector.” 

He added: “Recent international geopolitical changes, especially in the Middle East, pose many security challenges for decision makers. Therefore, the role of IDEX and NAVDEX has become even more significant in providing an interactive platform for discussing and showcasing some of the latest defence and security technologies and solutions. 

“I am fully confident that the organising committee will turn both of these events into unrivalled successes in a way that aligns with the directives of our leadership and strengthens our country’s prominent position regionally and internationally as a leading player in cutting-edge defence services and solutions.” 
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Acting Group CEO of ADNEC, said: “Organising IDEX and NAVDEX in collaboration with the UAE Armed Forces is part of our strategy to enhance the role of the exhibitions and conferences sector and its contribution in driving economic growth and income diversification. This strategy is aligned to the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 that names the defence industry as one of its key pillars.” 

He added: “Over the years, IDEX has played a significant role in promoting Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a launch pad for pre-eminent international events that are much awaited by senior military leaders, decision makers, investors and companies alike. Such events provide the opportunity to showcase the latest developments across the defence industry.”  

Al Dhaheri pointed out that the upcoming edition of IDEX will be the largest ever since it was first launched in 1993. This development follows the decision by ADNEC to hold the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX) separately from IDEX - helping to increase the exhibition space for current and new exhibitors. IDEX and NAVDEX will be hosted across ADNEC’s indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces and exceed 133,000 square metres.  

Al Dhaheri also pointed out that IDEX 2017 will witness record participation from among the largest international defence and security companies globally in addition to hosting many national entities. He added that NAVDEX 2017, set to be held alongside IDEX, will witness an increase in the number of participating companies as well as in the fleet of naval ships to be displayed at the ADNEC Marina. 

Furthermore, two specialised conferences will be organised as part of both events. The conferences are expected to draw the participation of well-known experts and specialists who will present research and share know-how on many regional and global defence and security issues and developments. 
Over 1,200 exhibitors and more than 101,000 visitors from across the globe participated in IDEX 2015, with signed deals amounting to over AED18.3 billion.