The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will highlight its defence capabilities with 151 companies taking up indoor and outdoor space at an upcoming defence event in Abu Dhabi.

This marks a 48 per cent increase in the number of UAE participants at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex) 2011compared to 102 UAE companies at the 2009 event.

The 10th edition of Idex will run from Idex February 20 to 24 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

In total, more than 950 exhibitors are participating at the show representing more than 50 countries. More than 50,000 visitors are expected to attend including around 150 official delegations from around the world.

At 10,299 sq m, the UAE pavilion will be the largest national pavilion at Idex 2011, organised by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company in association with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ.

Besides the UAE, other large national pavilions at Idex include Germany (3,518 sq m, 55 companies), USA (3,295 sq m, 65 companies), Turkey (2,600 sq m, 45 companies), Italy (1,516 sq m27 companies), France (1,427 sq m, 61 companies) and China (1,058 sq m, 18 companies).

“At every new edition, the UAE’s contribution to Idex grows and the evolving nature of our country’s defence and security industry becomes more apparent. Whilst we are known for making significant investments both at home and abroad, each year increasing interest falls on what the UAE has to offer the industry in terms of technology and services, and this year it seems will be no exception,” according to a statement from the Idex 2011 organisers.

“Core investment companies such as our headline sponsors Tawazun, have really shaped the evolution of the UAE’s defence industry over the past few years, and have brought a greater onus on what we as a nation can offer-up for the growing defence and security demands of this region.”

Tawazun has also contracted a significant amount of space – 1,547 sq m indoors and 146 sq m outdoors, housing 10 related subsidiaries.

“Tawazun is proud to sponsor Idex and Navdex, the region’s premier exhibition dedicated to the naval defence and coastal security sector. These events provide a unique opportunity for Tawazun companies to showcase their capabilities to key government and military decision makers from the Middle East, North Africa and Asia, and leading defence companies from around the world,” said Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, chief executive officer of Tawazun.

“Idex has established a reputation for attracting a global audience of industry leaders and dignitaries. The UAE’s defense industry has become an important economic driver, drawing high-end skills and incubating knowledge that is vital to continued innovation and growth across a range of UAE industry sectors,” said a spokesperson from Mubadala, which will host the largest UAE stand, in a 1,870 sq m space.

“Mubadala is delighted to be participating at Idex along with eight of its subsidiary companies that support the UAE Armed Forces and regional militaries. In line with global military trends, these companies are focused on enabling the military to concentrate on its core operations by helping provide sophisticated outsourced support services,” he added.

In addition to long-standing UAE exhibitors at Idex, 54 UAE companies are making their Idex debut in the exclusive first-time exhibitor zone.  This reiterates the UAE’s evolution from buyer to supplier, and the country’s ongoing commitment to developing defence manufacturing and supply capabilities.

Idex 2011 will run parallel with the inaugural Navdex. – TradeArabia News Service