Abu Dhabi-UAE: 11 January, 2017:  Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) today announced a sponsorship agreement between IDEX LLC and leading national and specialty defence companies including Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC), Tawazun Holding and Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB).

The agreement endorsed EDIC as the strategic partner and Tawazun Holding as the principle partner for IDEX 2017 and named Abu Dhabi Shipping Building as the principle partner for NAVDEX 2017.

Luc Vigneron, CEO, Emirates Defence Industries Company, Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, CEO, Tawazun Holding, Mohamed Saeed Al Ghas, Corporate Commercial Director, Abu Dhabi Ship Building and Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Acting Group CEO, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company attended the official signing ceremony. 

Organised by ADNEC in cooperation 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.

Speaking on the occasion, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, said: “We deeply appreciate the cooperation and support of our strategic partners in hosting mega events of the calibre of IDEX and NAVDEX 2017. Definitive events in their respective fields, the upcoming editions of IDEX and NAVDEX convene major decision makers and key international defence players and personnel to exchange defence know-how and cement lucrative deals in the sector.”

He added that ADNEC deploys a multi-pronged strategy and maintains effective communication with all partners to consolidate Abu Dhabi’s leading reputation regionally and internationally as a prestigious hub for world-class exhibitions and conferences. 

Al Dhaheri expressed confidence in the success of the upcoming editions of IDEX and NAVDEX 2017, and applauded the exhibition that first took place 23 years ago for growing from strength to strength. He attributed the event’s development to the steadfast cooperation between national entities that worked synergistically to ensure a well-rounded and effective experience for exhibitors and visitors. 

For his part, Luc Vigneron said: “Over the past decade, the defence industry in the UAE has experienced significant growth due to the leadership’s wise directives and governance that have fostered an enabling environment. Major regional and international players in the naval and defence industry now consider the UAE an important hub for defence-related transactions and knowledge.”

He added: “IDEX 2017 offers a great opportunity to meet and foster relations with key international and regional defence experts and decision makers. EDIC, through its strategic partnership with IDEX 2017, will emphasise its leading role in the nation’s defence industry and highlight its contribution to the latest developments in defence technology.

“Moreover, it provides a unique platform to showcase best-in-class technologies, machinery and equipment by EDIC – a group that comprises 16 subsidiaries, each a leading specialist in local and international markets.”

Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, said “Since inception in 2007, Tawazun Holding has remained keen to assume the role of principle partner of IDEX. Over the years, IDEX has continued to grow in reach along with participant and visitor numbers. We believe this success is also due in small measure to our synergistic relationship with the mega event. We will continue to collaborate with IDEX to further enhance the UAE’s status as a leading destination for conferences, exhibitions and tourism.”

He added: “Tawazun Holding’s pavilion at IDEX 2017 will feature the latest projects in its portfolio, and shed the spotlight on our companies and technologies- allowing exhibitors, participants and visitors to explore cutting-edge innovations.”

Dr Khaled Al Mazrouei, CEO, Abu Dhabi Ship Building, said: “We are pleased to be selected the principle partner for NAVDEX 2017 after partnering with the International Defence Exhibition and Conference over three successful editions.” 

Al Mazroui confirmed that ADSB’s pavilion at NAVDEX 2017would showcase the latest technologies, products and services from the ship building industry. Moreover, it will highlight the company’s pivotal role in the industry and open doors to build new bridges of communication with existing and new clients. 
The previous edition of IDEX held in 2015 witnessed the participation of over 1,200 national, regional and international exhibitors, attracted more than 101,000 visitors and generated deals exceeding AED18.3 billion.