A dedicated exhibition for naval defence, coastal and maritime security will run alongside the leading defence event International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex) in Abu Dhabi next year.

Navdex (Naval Defence Exhibition) will run from February 20 to 24 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).

“Maritime security is now a top priority for the region’s governments with Gulf countries investing heavily to protect their coastlines,” said Mohammed Al Mashgouni, Idex 2011 show director.

“GCC nations have felt the need for large, sophisticated two-tier navies that on the one hand, protect the front-line as well as display capabilities to guard against terror attacks, piracy, smuggling, and engage in search-and-rescue.”

“The combination of increased maritime security investments as well as steady growth in the region’s naval manufacturing capabilities have provided the impetus for us to launch Navdex as the naval component of the Idex brand – a brand that enjoys clear leadership among defence shows in the Mena region,” he continued.

“We are confident that Navdex, an event which will be co-located with Idex, will serve to highlight our commitment to constantly refining Idex’s focus to accurately reflect the needs of the region’s defence market,” added Al Mashgouni.

Navdex will provide a showcase for the latest in naval technology incorporating warships, naval workboats and amphibious crafts, combat equipment, coastal security systems and sea-to-shore communication solutions.

The event will feature quayside exhibits, exhibition stands within an air-conditioned marquee, on-water craft moored to temporary pontoons and daily amphibious and waterborne demonstrations featuring the latest boats and crafts.

In addition, a number of International naval vessels, up to corvette size, are expected at the Adnec marina conveniently located adjacent to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Access to the marina is via a footbridge which will directly link the Idex and Navdex events allowing easy access for visitors to visit both events.

Gulf countries have been steadily stepping up their naval manufacturing programmes. Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar has announced contracts to build six patrol boats for the Qatari navy at its shipyard in Ras Laffan, whilst the UAE’s ADSB (Abu Dhabi Ship Building) is in the midst of a programme to build six corvette-class ships for the UAE navy besides having signed deals with the Bahraini and Omani navies for ship building.

“Idex has always been a much-anticipated show for ADSB,” said Mohamed Salem Al Junaibi, general manager of Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB).

“The launch of Navdex, as the dedicated naval component of Idex, further expands the Idex platform and we are confident Navdex will rapidly emerge as the Middle East’s premier naval defence and security exhibition,” he added.

ADSB is a major player in the region’s ship building industry with 2009 revenues of AED 1.16 billion and more than 1,200 employees on its rolls.

For the delivery of Navdex, Adnec has signed a strategic agreement with Clarion Events who will manage the exhibitor sales and on-site organisation of the event.

Simon Kimble, chief executive officer from Clarion Events, said: “We have developed both global expertise as well as a wide network of relationships. We look forward to deploying these capabilities in the conduct of the inaugural Navdex in 2011.”

Spending on naval defence in the GCC countries is expected to reach US$17.5 billion by 2020 registering a compounded annual growth rate of about 1.2 percent, according to leading defence industry advisory, Jane’s. – TradeArabia News Service