Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, ADNEC, announced a rise in participation, interest and engagement from global marine-based companies at the Naval Defence Exhibition or NAVDEX 2017, to be held in Abu Dhabi along with the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2017.
Organised by ADNEC in collaboration with the UAE Armed Forces under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, IDEX and NAVDEX 2017 will run at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 19th to 23rd February.
Ahead of NAVDEX 2017, a workshop will be held on 18th February at the headquarters of the National Archives in Abu Dhabi. Several naval experts, decision-makers and leaders are expected to attend it to discuss the security hurdles and challenges faced by the industry.
The exhibition is expected to witness several large deals between contractors and navy personnel. In addition, ADNEC’s marine facility and Port Zayed will see the inauguration of several new maritime vessels and defence machinery.
“The upcoming edition of NAVDEX is expected to welcome an increased number of naval defence industry experts, contractors and key international personnel across all levels,” said Humaid Mattar Al Dhaheri, Acting Group CEO of ADNEC.
“The UAE Armed Forces, in conjunction with the UAE Navy, continue to lend immense support and assistance in planning such events. Moreover, the NAVDEX 2017 Naval Committee is working hard to finalise all pertinent procedures for participating vessels, warships and delegations,” he added.
“ADNEC’s strategic infrastructure has significantly upped the competitive advantage for NAVDEX. ADNEC is equipped with advanced indoor and outdoor space and a marine facility connected to the main hall by a pedestrian bridge, the only one of its kind in the Middle East, with the capacity to accommodate military ships of different sizes. This will ensure the best display of maritime activity for visitors and participants,” he said.
“The overwhelming response from the world’s naval defence community to NAVDEX 2017 and their keenness to participate in this mega event reflect the importance of the exhibition at regional and international levels. NAVDEX 2017 offers a unique, innovative and interactive platform for industry experts and specialists to experience the latest in cutting-edge naval technology,” said Saeed Al Mansouri, Director of IDEX and NAVDEX 2017.
“Since the inaugural event in 2011, NAVDEX has experienced steady and solid growth in terms of regional and international participants. This year’s edition will be sprawled across more than 13,000 square metres of exhibition space. It will host over 18 commanding naval officers, 21 coast guard commanders and 11 vessels from friendly and fraternal nations. These vessels will include a variety of hardware, notably frigates and destroyers, positioned at ADNEC’s marine facility and Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi,” he added.
IDEX 2015 attracted more than 1,200 local and international defence manufacturers and contractors, and drew over 101,000 visitors from across the world. The event also facilitated business deals worth AED 18.3 billion (close to US$ 5 billion).
