Idex 2009 is showcasing naval elements of its show at EuroNaval, a major naval and maritime security show, being held until October 31 at Le Bourget, Paris.

Organisers of Idex, one of the world's largest exhibitions catering to Land, Sea and Air Defence Systems and Equipment, said the naval sector is a key priority for the success of Idex 2009.

A four-member Idex team led by Mohamed Al Mashgouni, the Idex 2009 director, is taking part in EuroNaval, marking the last stop in Idex's extensive 15-month global tour that has included participation at some of the world's top defence events.

'The Naval sector is a particular focus area at next year's Idex and some of the world's top defence contractors in the naval sector, including Abu Dhabi Ship Building - UAE, DCNS and CMN – France and BAESystems - UK, together with other leading ship-builders and visiting warships have confirmed their participation at next year's Idex,' said Mohamed Al Mashgouni, Idex 2009 director.
 
The 2009 edition of Idex (International Defence Exhibition & Conference), (www.idexuae.ae) takes place February 22 to 26, 2009 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) under the patronage of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the UAE, Ruler of Abu Dhabi & Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

'We will use our participation at EuroNaval to update exhibitors and visitors on the latest developments at Idex 2009,' Al Mashgouni added.

Focussing specifically on the enhancements to the naval elements at Idex, Al Mashgouni said: 'Dredging of the basin off the Al Bateen Channel opposite the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre to six metres and construction of a 350-metre quay are expected to provide a significant boost to Idex.

'These will allow warships of up to frigate size to berth directly opposite the main Idex venue, for the first time since the show’s inception in 1993.'
 
'The building of a connecting bridge linking the exhibition centre with the quay area will allow companies to demonstrate their products on board the visiting warships as well as on their stands, allowing vessels of up to around 4,000 tons to be integrated more closely into Idex,' Al Mashgouni said.

In addition, the facilities for the traditional small craft demonstration have been improved, allowing companies to demonstrate a wider range of smaller vessels, such as patrol boats and landing craft designed for inshore and amphibious operations.

Besides naval vessels, a full range of maritime systems, including port and coastal protection, will be displayed at Idex.

The exhibitor portfolio at Idex includes land, sea and air vehicles and systems, radar, electronic warfare and electro-optic systems, weapons and ordnance, C4ISR, CBRN defence, homeland and internal security, simulation & training, logistics, medical and survival systems and personal equipment.

More than 900 exhibitors from over 50 countries are expected to attend Idex 2009. The show will occupy all 12 halls of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre's 55,000-square metre venue.

Over 33 national pavilions, high profile defence and security personnel and more than 100 military delegations from the Middle East region and around the world will participate in Idex 2009.

The Gulf Defence Conference, organised by Jane's Information Group will be held alongside the exhibition.

The UAE chief-of-staff has sent invitations requesting official delegations to Idex 2009 which will attract an international audience of key decision-makers from governments, the military and industry, including ministers, chiefs-of-staff, senior government officials, national and international delegations, strategists, analysts, international contractors, systems integrators and service prov