Bahrain will host one of the leading international defence exhibitions next year, bringing together the key players from the region and across the world, it was announced on Wednesday.

The launch of the First Bahrain International Defence Exhibition and Conference (BIDEC) was held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and was attended by HH Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of Bahrain Royal Guard and Chairman of BIDEC 2017.

The event, scheduled on October 16-18 next year, is Bahrain’s first tri-service defence exhibition, covering land, sea and air.

“We look forward to everyone here supporting our ambitions of developing a world-class defence exhibition and conference to further the Bahrain Defence Forces continued ambitions of modern and forward thinking armed forces,” HH Sheikh Nasser told the audience.

“BIDEC 2017 presents Bahrain with a fantastic opportunity to attract thousands of visitors to the country to take part in the exhibition and also to enjoy the country as a tourism and trade hub; We look forward to welcoming people from all around the world to the Kingdom of Bahrain for BIDEC 2017,” Sheikh Khalid Bin Hamoud Al Khalifa, CEO, Bahrain Tourism & Exhibition Authority said.

The event is fully supported by Bahrain Defence Force and will be organised by Clarion Events, the largest organiser of defence & security events in the world, with over 200 other events across different sectors. Tim Porter, Managing Director, Clarion Defence & Security presented the overview of BIDEC 2017 to the attendees. The briefing outlined the exhibition and how industry and military will be offered the best possible opportunities at BIDEC 2017, as well as some of the highlights that will be featured at the event.

“Being the largest organiser of defence and security events worldwide, Clarion are extremely pleased and honoured to be given the opportunity to expand our portfolio of exhibitions into Bahrain. We look forward to developing this prestigious event on behalf of the Bahrain Defence Force and the Government of Bahrain,” Managing Director of Clarion Events Tim Porter, said.

Also in attendance at the BIDEC press conference were Defence Attachés and Ambassadors from over 35 countries including India, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, UK and USA.

BIDEC 2017 will have a fully hosted international military VIP Delegation Programme that will include representatives from all over the world. It is expected that over 100 international manufacturers and suppliers of the latest military equipment, technology and systems will be present. With over 3000 international visitors expected to attend, there will be a Static Display Area within the exhibition showcasing the latest military vehicles and airframes.

The Middle East Military Alliances and Coalitions Conference, addressing the biggest challenges in Bahrain and beyond, will also run alongside the exhibition. BIDEC will also host unique features which include Live Parachute Exercises, Shooting Range Exercises, Warship Display and Military Vehicle Demos.