Top experts and specialists will present latest research and share knowledge on many regional and global defence and security issues at two major defence events to be held in Abu Dhabi next year.

The higher organising committee of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex 2017) and the Naval Defence Exhibition and Conference (Navdex 2017) recently held its first meeting to discuss the organisation of the events.

The meeting was chaired by Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Khalfan Al Mazrouei, head of the organising committee, and drew the participation of representatives from related national entities, said a statement.  

Both Idex and Navdex will be held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, from February 19 to 23, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The mega events will be organised by Adnec in collaboration with the UAE Armed Forces.

The higher organising committee of the events was announced on July 24 by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Following the meeting, Al Mazrouei said: “Idex is a leading international defence and security event and one of the largest globally. Since it was launched 23 year ago, it has evolved to become an attractive forum for decision makers and the biggest global companies specialised in this vital sector.”

“Recent international geopolitical changes, especially in the Middle East, pose many security challenges for decision makers. Therefore, the role of Idex and Navdex has become even more significant in providing an interactive platform for discussing and showcasing some of the latest defence and security technologies and solutions,” he said.

“I am fully confident that the organising committee will turn both of these events into unrivalled successes in a way that aligns with the directives of our leadership and strengthens our country’s prominent position regionally and internationally as a leading player in cutting-edge defence services and solutions,” he added.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, acting group CEO of Adnec, said: “Organising the events in collaboration with the UAE Armed Forces is part of our strategy to enhance the role of the exhibitions and conferences sector and its contribution in driving economic growth and income diversification.”

“This strategy is aligned to the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 that names the defence industry as one of its key pillars,” he said.

“Over the years, Idex has played a significant role in promoting Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a launch pad for pre-eminent international events that are much awaited by senior military leaders, decision makers, investors and companies alike. Such events provide the opportunity to showcase the latest developments across the defence industry,” he added.

Al Dhaheri pointed out that the upcoming edition of Idex will be the largest ever since it was first launched in 1993. This development follows the decision by Adnec to hold the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (Umex) separately from Idex - helping to increase the exhibition space for current and new exhibitors.

Additionally, two specialised conferences will be organised as part of both events. The conferences are expected to draw the participation of well-known experts and specialists who will present research and share know-how on many regional and global defence and security issues and developments, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service