The Higher Organizing Committee for the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) met to discuss preparations for IDEX’s Grand Opening Ceremony, the first stages of which began on Monday 28 January.

Helicopters, jets from the Al Fursan aerobatics team and transport aircraft began their rehearsals in the skies above the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre Grandstand.

“This ceremony is a key moment of the Middle East’s largest joint defence exhibition; Abu Dhabi will be on the world stage, and it’s important we get it right,” said Major General Obaid Al Ketbi, Head of the 2013 IDEX Higher Organizing Committee.

“With the Gulf Defence Conference and NAVDEX adding strategic context to the broader event, IDEX is a key forum for industry and government leaders to forge partnerships. I am confident the strong opening ceremony we are now beginning rehearsals for will serve as a fitting commencement for one of the world’s most strategically important defence exhibitions,” Major General Al Ketbi added.

Organised 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 17-21 February 2013.