IDEX 2019: Next Sunday opening of largest defense exhibition in Middle East.

The upcoming editions of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2019 and Naval Defence (NAVDEX) 2019, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, willrun from February 17 to 21 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Excellency Staff Major General Pilot FarisKhalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of IDEX and NAVDEX 2019, His Excellency Major-General Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al Balushi, Deputy Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of IDEX and NAVDEX 2019, and Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) at the press conference of February 10, 2019 to announce IDEX/NAVDEX 2019. (Picture source IDEX/NAVDEX)

Underlining the importance of IDEX and NAVDEX in the national context, His Excellency Al Mazroueisaid: “Both exhibitions have been instrumental in developing the defence industry sector in the UAE – a prominent objective of the UAE Centennial 2071 – besides contributing to national capacity building and knowledge transfer.”

His Excellency Al Mazrouei furthernoted that more than 170 local companies from the defence and its supporting sectors will participate in the 2019 edition of the exhibitions. He added that both platforms will help shed more light on the national defence industry, creating newopportunities toengage with key international companies in this sector.

Commenting on the efforts made to organise the exhibitions, His Excellency Al Mazrouei said: “The strategy adopted by the Higher Organising Committee of IDEX and NAVDEX 2019 aims to further optimise the event inline with the leading status of the UAE. Building on the success of the 2017 edition, ADNEC has closely collaborated with national organisations from the public and private sector to deliver the best edition to date.”
In closing,His Excellency Staff Major General Pilot FarisKhalaf Al Mazrouei extended his appreciation to all national stakeholders and partners of the events, including Emirates Defense Industries Company (EDIC), Tawazun Holding, Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company (ADSB), and the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company.

For his part,His Excellency Major-General Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al Balushi, said: “The three leading events, IDEX, NAVDEX and IDC, are being organised at a time when complex international and geopolitical conditions and changes are being imposed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), and the world is witnessing tremendous technological development. These dynamic shifts are prompting decision makers to revise traditional defence strategies and developa new generation of security strategies.”

He added: “In conducting expert-led discussions, IDC aims to highlight recommendations and solutions that factor in the impact of the 4IR and further drive key pillars of international peace and security.

HumaidMatar Al Dhaheri, said: “The IDEX and NAVEX exhibitions are among the most prominent and successfulevents organised in the UAE.Over the years, IDEX has witnessed qualitative and quantitative increases in terms of space, number of visitors and exhibitors.

“Over the past 25 years, the number of exhibitors frequenting IDEX has increased by 400 per cent, with the number of participating countries rising by 250 per cent over the same period. Visitor footfall rose by 500 per cent, while the show floor dedicated for the event has gone up by 900 percent compared to the first edition in 1993.”