A special package of incentives aimed at encouraging first-time exhibitors has boosted participation at IDEX 2011 (International Defence Exhibition & Conference), with 19 local and international firms already confirmed to participate in the ‘First-Time Exhibitor Zone’ at the show. In addition, a number of prospective debut exhibitors are also in advanced discussions with the IDEX sales team.
Earlier this year, IDEX organizers ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company) unveiled a special package for companies making their IDEX debut. This innovation has seen increasing interest from the defence industry and is expected to significantly increase the number of new products and technology on display at IDEX 2011.
The next edition of IDEX, Middle East & North Africa’s largest defence show, will be held 20th – 24th February 2011, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. In total, more than 900 exhibitors are expected to participate in IDEX 2011.
“Whilst our reputation as a premier defence show has been well established over the years with every major player in defence industry in attendance, we want to continue to encourage newer entrants and feature a diverse range of the very best and latest in defence technology. The First-Time Exhibitor Zone was launched to encourage a wider range of companies to become more involved in IDEX 2011 and enable some of the newer or smaller firms to secure exhibition space and put their products on display. The zone aims to increase these firms’ exposure on a highly competitive floor, and give them a cost effective platform to stand out amongst the crowd,” said His Excellency Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Managing Director, ADNEC and Vice Chairman of the IDEX 2011 Higher Committee
The ‘first-time exhibitor zone’ will be located near the main entrance of IDEX 2011 making it visible to all visitors as they enter.  
“We have had a very promising initial response to this new initiative, and expect the First-Time Exhibitor Zone to sell out rapidly. It will be a great opportunity for small firms, or international firms testing out the Middle East market, looking to gain a high level of exposure in front of military buyers from the Middle East and North Africa, and will give them the opportunity to stand out as new competition in the market” said Mohamed Al Mashgouni, IDEX 2011 Show Director.
Organised by ADNEC in association with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, IDEX 2011 is held biannually and will celebrate its 10th anniversary between 20-24th February 2011. In parallel with IDEX 2011, NAVDEX (Naval Defence Exhibition) a dedicated naval defence exhibition will be held for the first time. Together IDEX and NAVDEX will showcase the latest technologies in defence equipment services for land, sea and airborne systems and will attract national and international delegations, procurement officials, industry analysts, military strategists as well as the world’s leading defence contractors.