With naval spending around the region expected to reach around US$76.4 billion over the next 10 years, major technology suppliers have confirmed their participation at the United Arab Emirates’ inaugural Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX).
Raytheon, Navantia, L-3, and Elettronica are the latest in the line-up of large international companies to confirm their presence at the event, which will take place in the Marina area of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from 20-24 February 2011.  
French companies MBDA and DCNS are also taking part, along with leading companies from the United Arab Emirates including 2 of the main players in the region’s ship building industry, Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) and Abu Dhabi Mar.
Developed in response to increased spending and requirements from the region’s navies and coastguards, NAVDEX opens at a time when the UAE and other Gulf states, are actively looking to build upon maritime security platforms, with a wide range of above and below water surveillance equipment, and all the associated situation awareness and command back up.
According to Jane's DS Forecast the total naval spending of Arabian Gulf nations and Western Indian Ocean regional countries is projected to reach around US$76.4 billion over the next 10 years; with frigates, submarines, surveillance aircraft and maritime helicopters making up nearly 50% of the total market; and smaller patrol vessels and corvettes accounting for another 20%.
Exhibitors at NAVDEX will range from ship manufacturers to ship repair services companies, weapons and combat systems to logistics and infrastructure providers, training and education suppliers to equipment providers for diving, search and rescue, fire-fighting and medical supplies, besides, technology providers to naval aviation.
Organised by Clarion Events on behalf of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company in association with and under the full support of the UAE Armed Forces GHQ, NAVDEX is running in parallel with the 10th anniversary of the region’s leading International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX).
The two events, IDEX and NAVDEX 2011, will be linked by a pedestrian bridge from the exhibition centre to the marina area.  NAVDEX 2011 will feature an indoor exhibition, on-water exhibits, outside-quayside displays, visiting naval vessels and daily on-water demonstrations.