The ninth edition of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex) 2009 will open in Abu Dhabi tomorrow (February 22) with 897 exhibitors from 50 countries.

More than 150 official delegations will also attend the Middle East’s largest ever defence show staged on an area of 108,000 sq mt, sources said.

Idex 2009 will be staged from February 22 to 26 under the patronage of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. It is organised by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec) in association with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ.

The 108,000 sq mt gross size of Idex 2009 represents a 49 per cent growth compared to the 2007 edition, which had a gross size of 72,500 sq mt.

 “This year’s Idex will be the largest ever with the show encompassing 108,000 gross sqm, with 897 exhibitors from 50 countries, 32 national pavilions and more than 150 official delegations in attendance,” said staff major general Obaid Al Ketbi, chairman of the Idex 2009 military committee and spokesman for Idex 2009. “In addition, more than 45,000 visitors are expected.”

Three visiting warships, plus UAE Naval vessels and ten smaller amphibious craft will participate in the naval display at the Adnec quay while a number of armoured personnel carriers, tanks and other military vehicles will take part in the live mobility demonstrations during the show.

Idex 2009, which is sponsored by Tawazun, will feature land, sea and air vehicles and systems, radar, electronic warfare and electro-optic systems, weapons and ordnance, C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) defence, homeland and internal security, simulation and training, logistics, medical and survival systems and personal equipment.

The UAE will host the largest national pavilion at the show with 89 companies taking up 10,517 sq mt of exhibition space. Other large national pavilions include Germany (3,280 sq mt, 57 companies), USA (2,381 sq mt, 44 companies), Turkey (2,214 sq mt, 39 companies), Italy (1,472 sq mt, 35 companies) and France (1,256 sq mt, 44 companies).

Homeland security has been introduced as a special focus area this year and 11 per cent of exhibitors at Idex 2009 will showcase specialist homeland/internal security, sensing and protection systems and equipment.

The show has received a significant boost thanks to extensive venue development undertaken by Adnec over the last two years.

“Adnec has doubled in size since the last Idex. In addition, dredging of the Al Bateen canal opposite the exhibition centre to a depth of 6 metres and the construction of a 350-metre quay wall have been completed, as has the construction of a brand new pedestrian bridge linking the exhibition centre to Adnec quay.  A purpose built mobility track for military vehicles has also been created in front of the exhibition centre’s grandstand.” said Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, managing director of Adnec.

“Idex has grown steadily over the years to become one of the biggest and most important events for the global defence industry and the largest exhibition in Abu Dhabi. The growth of Idex has mirrored the growth of the capital city, and ADNEC is honoured to be able to support the event through our role as organiser and venue for this year’s Idex,” added Al Dhaheri.

Important deals and strategic partnerships are expected to be unveiled at Idex this year. In addition, a number of new products and technologies will also be launched.

Additionally, Idex 2009, will feature the GDC (Gulf Defence Conference) which will take place on February 23. The conference organised by Jane’s on behalf of Adnec features some of the world’s leading military and security experts who will highlight emerging security challenges and threats.<