The 15th edition of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX) has been concluded by the Higher Organising Committee for the exhibitions. The five-day events have seen extensive local and international participation.

The central success of the 15th edition lies in that it was the first global defence event to take place in the post pandemic recovery stage, with 62,445 attendees at the venue across five days.

900 exhibitors, 59 countries, and 35 international pavilions participated in IDEX and NAVDEX 2021, alongside five countries participating in the exhibitions for the first time: Israel, North Macedonia, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Azerbaijan.

AED 20.957 billion (USD 5.7 billion) worth of deals were signed by the UAE Armed Forces during IDEX and NAVDEX 2021. Five deals with international companies and 15 with local companies were inked on the final day of the exhibitions, at a value of AED 904.2 million (USD 246.2 million).

The committee announced the conclusion of the two exhibitions during a press conference held Thursday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, in the presence of H.E. Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee for IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions, and H.E. Major General Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Muhammad Al Balushi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industries and Development of Defense Capabilities at the Ministry of Defense, Vice Chairman of the Supreme Committee, and Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) and its group of companies.

Major General Staff Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, said: “The 15th edition of the IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions has been nothing short of exceptional. These events continue to strengthen their global position, providing exhibitors and participants from around the world with an integrated global platform, in spite of the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. IDEX and NAVDEX drive and enable innovation, in line with the rapid development of the fourth industrial revolution.”

“The success of these exhibitions has been rooted in the stalwart and visionary support of our wise leadership. Their confidence in our ability to host the world, here in Abu Dhabi, has been critical to the wider realisation of this edition,” Al Mazrouei added.

“Today marks a new chapter in pre-eminence. 2021 is the Golden Jubilee Year is the Golden Jubilee of the foundation of the United Arab Emirates. That union has enabled our nation to cultivate and expand our defence infrastructure and technological systems, using them to ensure security and peace across the Middle East,” he noted.

“The foremost achievement of this edition of the exhibitions was the stringent and rigorous implementation of all precautionary measures across ADNEC, preserving the health and safety of all participants, exhibitors, and visitors. IDEX and NAVDEX 2021 enabled the return of the national business tourism sector, alongside continuing to support the UAE’s defence industry,” he stressed.

“The contributions of a range of stakeholders to enable the success of this event has been immense. Media professionals, organisers, strategic partners, and subcommittees have each played a significant role in bringing this event to life. Finally, we must recognise the contribution of frontline workers, who were at the event for each moment. Their efforts ensured the safety of all attendees, in line with the vision of the government of the UAE,” Al Mazrouei concluded.

Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al Balushi, Head of the Executive Directorate of Industries and Development of Defense Capabilities at the Ministry of Defense, and Vice Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee for IDEX and NAVDEX, said: “The UAE has once again demonstrated its global leadership in hosting and organising international and strategic events. These events indicate renewed confidence and optimism as the UAE charts a new course for post-pandemic recovery.

“2021 has seen the UAE Armed Forces sign the highest value of deals during the exhibitions’ histories. The brokerage of such agreements plays a pivotal role in devising and implementing long-term security and defence strategies, and ensuring the adoption of optimal solutions to face future challenges, given the fourth industrial revolution,” Al Balushi added.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, commented: “Today brings an end to an edition which was described as one of the most successful global events organised in the post pandemic phase by participants, exhibitors, and visitors alike.”

“96% of visitors and exhibitors to IDEX and NAVDEX were satisfied with the exhibition, which is considered one of the highest rates in the global exhibition and conference sector. The wide range of precautionary protocols which ADNEC rigorously implemented across its infrastructure also met the approval of those visiting IDEX and NAVDEX, as well as specialists in the exhibition and conference sector,” Al Dhaheri noted.