The International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) announced exhibitor space for IDEX has been fully booked.

The early sell out represents the highest demand in the event’s nearly two decade history, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s growing significance as a major hub in the international defense market.

“As the largest joint defense exhibition in the broader MENA region, IDEX has a strong role to play both in the defense market and in representing Abu Dhabi,” said Saleh Al Marzooqi, IDEX Director.

“With over 140 local and 900 international companies exhibiting representing 57 nations, next month’s event is on track to be the largest to date. I am confident the enhanced venue and exhibition components, in the context of an Emirate with a highly competitive tourism and events infrastructure, will enable exhibitors, attendees and delegations alike get more out of the exhibition than any year before,” he added.

New for IDEX 2013 are the dedicated Unmanned Systems Zone and Helicopter Demonstration Area, featuring hands-on technology workshops and purpose-built exhibition platforms, as well as the Live Demonstration Area establishing a forum to showcase the latest in defense technology.

Complementing the new show components, The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company (ADNEC) presented its progress on a series of venue updates at the first meeting of the IDEX Organizing Committee in 2013 (photo).

The marina key wall is being expanded by nearly 50% to allow room for an increased NAVDEX area. Linking NAVDEX to IDEX, the pedestrian bridge is being enhanced with escalators improving accessibility for the estimated 8,000 NAVDEX visitors. The Central Plaza has received enhancements to the overall soft and hard landscape features for a superior visitor experience, while updates to the historic grandstand include a more refined royal box and dedicated women’s VIP entrance. A series of road projects around ADNEC have also neared completion that will improve traffic flow for the over 50,000 visitors expected.

Organized by ADNEC in coordination with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ and headline sponsor Tawazun, IDEX will take place at Abu Dhabi’s National Exhibition Centre from the 17th - 21st of February, 2013.