Over two decades since its inception, IDEX has expanded enormously and introduced both NAVDEX (the largest regional maritime defense exhibition) and now UMEX (the Unmanned Systems Exhibition). Preparation for these events has required a collective work at the highest levels among a large number of federal, local and private institutions in addition to the several committees, especially The Ministry of Defense as strategic sponsor, the GHQ Armed Forces, who have provided continued support to the exhibition since its inception.
“Today we also pride to see that several local and international companies have continued entrusting us with several of them returning as strategic partners and sponsors. This year, we have also launched a new successful conference formula for IDEX Conferences. Running alongside the exhibition is IDEX Defense Conferences which unite Defense Ministers, Chiefs of Staff, senior commanders from the UAE Armed Forces, government officials, senior decision makers and other commanding officers from international militaries as well.” Major General Obaid Al-Ketbi
IDEX, launched first in 1993 with an area spanning to about 12,000 square meters saw the participation of 350 companies that has now tripled to about 1,200 this year. The companies in this edition will showcase their latest products in defense and security over an area of 133,000 square meters with indoor and outdoor displays.
The number of participating countries has increased from 24 in 1993 to 55 in 2015. The country pavilions have increased from 20 in 1993 to 42 in this edition.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of ADNEC said: “IDEX 2013 witnessed an overwhelming response from 80,000 visitors. With the increase in space this year, we can only expect this number to rise. IDEX has incrementally contributed to the increase in direct and indirect economic contribution to the Abu Dhabi economy. The contribution in 2013 has been around 336 million AED ($92 million).”
There has also been a continual increase in the participation of UAE exhibitors with them occupying about 2,000 square meters of space in 1995 to now showcasing their capabilities in a space spanning to about 18,500 square meters this year.
This year NAVDEX will bring together 96 exhibitors from across the globe and will be spread over an area of approximately 5,600 m2 with almost 16 boats on display on the pontoon at ADNEC Marina and along the Zayed Port.
Some of the most distinguished vessels to be showcased in NAVDEX 2015 are the UAE NAVY ‘BAYNUNAH’ Class corvette, and Al Ganesah, as well USA Navy super carrier USS Vinson, mine hunter of the British Royal Navy HMH Shoreham, and the Pakistan Navy Submarine, BNS Khaled.
The world’s leading joint defense exhibition. IDEX takes place biennially under the patronage of HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and is organized by IDEX LLC (an ADNEC Group Company) in association with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ.
IDEX, NAVDEX & UMEX demonstrate the latest defense technologies across land, sea and air. It is a unique platform to establish and strengthen relationships with government departments, businesses and Armed Forces.
Welcoming Tawazun as Strategic Partner, IDEX 2015 will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), UAE from 22-26 February.
