Industry, Logistics & Shipping

Idex, Navdex to showcase innovations in 17 sectors

Innovations across 17 advanced defence and security product sectors will be showcased at the upcoming  International Defence Exhibition (Idex) and Naval Defence Exhibition (Navdex) 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
 
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the shows take place from February 17 to 21 at the Adnec Centre and will feature a diverse array of products spanning land, air, sea and space. 
 
Organised by Adnec Group in strategic partnership with the UAE Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council, the exhibitions will bring together senior government decision-makers, diplomats, and leading global companies, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for defence and security innovation.
 
The International Defence Exhibition (Idex) provides a platform to showcase the latest advancements across 17 critical defence product sectors. These include Land Vehicles and Systems, Air Vehicles and Systems, and Unmanned Systems, representing groundbreaking technologies in mobility and autonomous operations. Navigation Systems, Radar Systems, and Command and Control Systems further highlight the technological capabilities shaping modern defence strategies, while Weapons and Systems and Personal Equipment underscore innovations in combat readiness and soldier protection.
 
Expanding into specialised domains, Idex features critical sectors like Electronic Warfare Systems, Homeland/Internal Security Equipment, and Medical and Survival Equipment, addressing the evolving needs of global defence and security. The inclusion of Humanitarian Aid and Organisations/Associations/Institutions sectors highlights the importance of collaboration and support in crisis management. Sea-based capabilities such as Ships, Vessels and Naval Systems, Submarines, and Unmanned Sea Vehicles underline the exhibition’s comprehensive focus, while the Space Defence sector represents the growing importance of space technologies in national security. This breadth of sectors positions IDEX as a leading global showcase for advanced defence technologies and solutions.
 
Over the course of five days, Idex and Navdex 2025 will serve as a vital platform for the launch of new products and technologies, offering participants the opportunity to showcase innovative solutions to a global audience. The event provides a unique stage for brands to extend their reach to thousands of market leaders, original equipment manufacturers, and high-level delegations from around the world.
 
The exhibition will once again feature Idex Innovation Trail, which is designed to highlight the most innovative products that are revolutionising the industry. The Innovation Trail is an expert-curated recognition programme for advancements across all defence product sectors that are showcased at Idex for the first time. 
 
The exhibition also offer unparalleled networking opportunities for attendees to engage with international brands, policymakers, and local leaders in the defence sector. This collaborative environment fosters partnerships and knowledge-sharing, enabling participants to address the evolving challenges facing the global defence and security landscape.
 
With its focus on promoting advanced technologies and facilitating global collaboration, Idex and Navdex 2025 underline the UAE’s leadership in creating impactful platforms for dialogue and innovation. These exhibitions play a critical role in strengthening international cooperation and driving progress in the defence industry. - TradeArabia News Service

Industry, Logistics & Shipping

American School of Bahrain gets key AI endorsement from US body

American School of Bahrain (ASB) has announced that it has become one of the first 10 schools worldwide, and notably the first in GCC, to receive the Responsible AI in Learning (RAIL) endorsement from the Middle States Association, a leading US accreditation body for colleges and schools. 
 
This endorsement recognizes the school’s leadership in implementing AI literacy and ethics across its educational programmes, ensuring that students and staff are equipped to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence with responsibility and foresight, said ASB in a statement.
 
ASB is taking a whole-school approach to AI literacy, safety, and ethics across all grade levels, ensuring that students, staff, and the broader community are equipped with the knowledge to use AI tools responsibly and effectively. 
 
Dave McMaster, the Director of the American School of Bahrain, emphasising the significance of this milestone, said: "Aligned with MSA's vision, our goal is not merely to adapt AI tools to perform everyday tasks, as we did two decades ago. Rather, we see AI as a transformative force, capable of reshaping the very nature of learning."
 
"We aim to integrate AI not as a superficial addition to traditional practices, but as a means to unlock new possibilities and create exceptional learning experiences. Through RAIL, we aspire to use AI as a catalyst for inspiring creativity, deepening understanding, and preparing our students and staff for the future," he stated.
 
ASB said its participation in the RAIL initiative is rooted in the school’s drive to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies. 
 
The RAIL endorsement involved meeting rigorous benchmarks, including the development of updated policies, procedures, and a comprehensive change plan to enhance AI literacy, it stated. 
 
The school has implemented these policies across all grade levels, from elementary to high school, ensuring that AI is introduced in a way that is age-appropriate and ethically sound. From creating podcasts in elementary classes to utilizing AI in written assessments for older students, ASB is embedding AI as a key learning tool in a responsible manner, it added.
 
Hiba Oker, American School of Bahrain’s Technology Integration Coordinator, pointed out that this endorsement represented a tangible commitment to the future of its students.
 
"Our AI education ensures that children from as early as Grade 3 are equipped with the skills and knowledge to navigate this evolving landscape. From integrating AI into creative classroom projects like podcast creation to utilizing AI for advanced assessments, students will learn to engage with this powerful technology responsibly and meaningfully," noted Oker.
 
Throughout the school, teachers integrate supervised AI tools into lessons, helping students explore AI’s capabilities while understanding its ethical implications. 
 
Moreover, ASB’s policies ensure that teachers and staff maintain high standards of AI usage, and ongoing training helps educators stay up-to-date with the latest AI tools, said the statement.
 
The RAIL initiative aligns with ASB’s mission of innovation and community leadership, thus reinforcing its status as a trailblazer in AI education within the GCC and beyond, it added.-TradeArabia News Service

Industry, Logistics & Shipping

Deal signed to enhance Khalifa Bin Salman Port facilities

Bahrain's Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and APM Terminals, the operator of Khalifa Bin Salman Port, have signed a letter of intent to further enhance the port facilities and develop national talent.
 
Dr Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, highlighted the importance of collaborating with APM Terminals and the importance of integrating advanced technologies and innovative solutions to enhance operational capacity and environmental sustainability. These efforts contribute to long-term economic growth, a Bahrain News Agency (BNA) report said.
 
He emphasised Bahrain’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with global companies to develop the transport, ports, and maritime sectors. He highlighted efforts to improve infrastructure quality, further developing Bahrain’s position as a regional logistics hub, and support sustainable development in line with Economic Vision 2030.
 
Jonathan Goldner, APM Terminals' regional Chief Executive for Asia and the Middle East, highlighted the company’s commitment to expanding its strategic partnership with Bahrain. He emphasised efforts to enhance port capacity, provide advanced logistics services, and develop human capital to support environmental and sustainable development goals.