The next edition of NAVDEX 2019, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, will witness a record number of international and local participant companies specialized in the maritime defense industry.
Held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) concurrently with the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) from 17-21 February, the number of participating military units for NAVDEX is expected to increase by 66% to 20 units from 15 countries. Displays will range from frigates, supply vessels and transport vessels to naval minehunters and naval patrol boats.
The 2019 edition will also see the participation of four countries for the first time including China, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and South Korea.
A transportation shuttle will link events held in the free port area, where large ships will dock, and the exhibition site and marine channel. This edition will also open the ships for visitors wanting to climb aboard the ships to learn about their capabilities.
NAVDEX, the most important maritime defense exhibition in the Middle East, is expected to showcase the most advanced maritime defense systems in addition to displaying marine defense units and equipment. More than 100 companies will be on site to present their most sophisticated products.
H.E. Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of Higher Organizing Committee of IDEX and NAVDEX 2019, said: “The significance of NAVDEX as an international exhibition specialized in maritime defense is steadily increasing. The maritime defense sector is witnessing rapid development in terms of modern innovations and advanced technologies that compel professionals and personnel in this strategic sector to stay informed of the latest developments and technologies in maritime systems and equipment. NAVDEX offers this opportunity”.
“We look forward to this larger version of NAVDEX with wider international and local participation that reflect the extent of developments by the UAE defense industries, now one of the leaders of this field in the region thanks to the support and directions of the UAE wise leadership,” he added.
Hamid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), said: “As part of ADNEC’s strategy to promote the status and future of all exhibitions and the conferences organized and held by the company at its various centers, ADNEC has worked on placing appropriate emphasis on the development of NAVDEX by expanding and developing the infrastructure of Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre marine channel to increase the space allocated for presentations by 20 per cent to reach approximately 40,000 square meters. This allows us to provide an ideal platform for participating companies to display their products and meet their needs, both in the exhibition halls and through ADNEC marine channel.
“The unprecedented interest shown by specialized global defense firms to participate in the upcoming editions of NAVDEX is the outcome of our comprehensive strategy which involved intensive marketing efforts to promote the exhibition at major international events. This has helped us attract several international companies that will mark their debut participation or expand presence in the forthcoming edition,” Al Dhaheri added.
He also noted that NAVDEX is a real platform to showcase the latest products in the maritime defense sector due to its great global interest and the participation of various delegations and dignitaries, such as leaders of armies, decision-makers and those interested in maritime affairs in most countries of the world. This is reflected positively by the participation of our exhibitors and adds value to this vital sector.
NAVDEX 2019 is sponsored by a group of national companies specialized in the defense industry, most notably the Emirates Defense Industries Company (EDIC), the strategic partner of the IDEX and NAVDEX 2019 exhibitions, in addition to Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company (ADSB), the main partner of NAVDEX 2019.
Held on over 133,000 square meters of internal and external area, the 2019 edition of NAVDEX and IDEX are expected to be the largest in their history as IDEX is set to mark its Silver Jubilee. It is worth noting that the previous edition saw the participation of more than 1,235 participating companies from 57 countries and produced concluding deals valued at more than AED 19.7 billion (US$ 5.4 billion).
