Abu Dhabi-UAE: 08 January, 2017:  IDEX Conference 2017, part of the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX 2017) and Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX 2017), is set to draw the participation of several leading security and defence decision makers and experts from across the world.
Themed Disrupting Innovation in Defence and Security, the conference will be held ahead of IDEX and NAVDEX 2017 at the headquarters of the National Archives in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, 18 February. 

The conference will include three keynote sessions titled Disruptive Emerging Technology and Innovation: A New Military Paradigm, The Next Big Leap in Cyber Defence, and Defence and Security Control/Mitigate Multiple Disruptions.

Organised by ADNEC in collaboration with the UAE Armed Forces under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, IDEX and NAVDEX 2017 will run at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 19 to 23 February, 2017.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Acting Group CEO of ADNEC, said: “The events associated with IDEX and NAVDEX 2017 are primarily designed to facilitate knowledge sharing in the defence industry. These events articulate the important place accorded to the defence sector as a key driver of industrial growth within the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.

“Since its inception over a decade ago, ADNEC has successfully attracted many high-profile international events to Abu Dhabi in close collaboration with its strategic partners including Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau and major professional associations in the country.”

He added: “The conference sector of the MICE industry assumes special significance for Abu Dhabi as it provides dedicated platforms for decision makers and experts across sectors to highlight the latest technologies and developments in their areas of expertise. Such events significantly contribute to the development of the key sectors of the national economy - especially aviation and hospitality.”

For his part, Saeed Al Mansouri, Director of IDEX and NAVDEX 2017, said: “ADNEC has formed a dedicated team to ensure highly successful editions of IDEX and NAVDEX this year in association with the higher organising committee of the mega events and the UAE Armed Forces. The tireless support and backing of our nation’s top army experts for the definitive defence and security event have made it possible to attract key national and international military personnel, leaders and speakers to IDEX and NAVDEX 2017.”

He added: “Conference participation is restricted to invited and registered experts, as well as government dignitaries, official delegations, army leaders and government guests. ADNEC has launched an online registration platform for defence experts and professionals to register ahead to participate in the conference sessions under the following link: 

IDEX 2015 attracted more than 1,200 local and international defence manufacturers and contractors and drew over 101,000 visitors from across the world. The event also facilitated business deals worth AED18.3 billion.