The Higher Organising Committee of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025, along with the accompanying International Defence Conference, held its first meeting to discuss the preparations for the 17th edition of the event, which will take place under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, from 17th to 21st February 2025 at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

The meeting was attended by Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee for IDEX and NAVDEX, Major General Dr. Mubarak Saeed Ghafan Al Jabri, Vice Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, and Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group.

Several chairpersons of subcommittees and representatives from key national institutions in both the public and private sectors also attended the meeting, UAE national news agency WAM reported.

The UAE Ministry of Defence, in strategic partnership with ADNEC Group, organises the exhibitions and the conference. This meeting is part of ongoing efforts to deliver an exceptional and unprecedented edition, with the exhibitions and the accompanying conference expected to see significant international participation from senior government leaders and officials, as well as major global and local defence companies. The exhibitions will serve as a strategic platform to showcase the latest innovations and technological solutions in the defence and security industries.

It is worth noting that the previous edition of IDEX and NAVDEX in 2023 recorded exceptional results in terms of participation and exhibition space. The total value of deals signed amounted to AED 23.34 billion, with 1,353 exhibitors from 65 countries, including 216 national companies. The exhibitions attracted 367 official delegations from around the world, while the International Defence Conference saw the participation of 1,800 attendees, and the exhibitions drew over 132,000 visitors.

IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 will continue to enhance their status as the foremost global platforms for showcasing the latest defence technologies and building strategic partnerships that support the development of the defence sector at both national and international levels.