ISDEF to Establish Israeli Pavilion at Abu Dhabi's International Defense Exhibition

Combined logos of IDEX and NAVDEX via WAM
Combined logos of IDEX and NAVDEX via WAM
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ISDEF to Establish Israeli Pavilion at Abu Dhabi's International Defense Exhibition

Combined logos of IDEX and NAVDEX via WAM
Combined logos of IDEX and NAVDEX via WAM

IDEX, the International Defense Exhibition and Conference organized by Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company, ADNEC, said it signed a strategic agreement with ISDEF, the Israeli Defense, Homeland Security and Cyber Expo to promote Israeli defense, security, and technology companies.

IDEX will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Center in Abu Dhabi from 21st to 25th February 2021.

The addition of the pavilion to the exhibition highlights the continuous growth and development of IDEX and NAVDEX since their launch in the early 1990s.

Since the inception of IDEX and NAVDEX, ADNEC has shown an impressive track record in shaping the regional business tourism landscape for the industry, state news agency WAM reported.

Previously, ISDEF hosted major Israeli companies from the defense and cyber sectors, such as OSG, IWI, NSO Group, Skylock, Elsight, and others, displaying advanced technologies and solutions including cybersecurity, intelligence and Internet of Things, IoT, mobile infrastructure, smart sensors, military and police equipment and training.

The opening of registration for Israeli companies to participate as part of the Israeli pavilion at IDEX is to be officially announced in the next few weeks.

Commenting on the signing of the agreements, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC, said, "At ADNEC, we are happy to sign this partnership with ISDEF to introduce a new pavilion to IDEX and NAVDEX 2021. We look forward to working with our new partners, who will help us increase the attendance of both delegates and visitors to this leading regional event."

Stacy Dotan, Chief Marketing Officer and member of the Board of Directors of Avnon Group commented, "Following the recently signed historic peace agreement, I believe that there will be some amazing opportunities between the UAE and Israeli companies in the business and security sectors.

Matti Weinberg, CEO of ISDEF, said, "This agreement reflects ISDEF’s professional and forward-thinking approach as a major marketing platform for Israel’s innovative cybersecurity, defense and HLS technologies. This is an important step towards the recognition of leading technologies and exports promotion."

The upcoming edition of IDEX and NAVDEX is expected to cater to more than 1,300 companies specializing in different applications of the defense sector.



China Eyes Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Opportunities in Saudi Arabia

Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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China Eyes Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Opportunities in Saudi Arabia

Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

China’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Chang Hua, expressed Beijing’s hopes to strengthen its partnership with the kingdom, especially in electric vehicle production and other industries.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Hua condemned violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty and the targeting of civilians.
He called for immediate action to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation in the region.
“China is deeply shocked by the high civilian casualties from the conflict between Israel and Lebanon,” Hua said, urging the international community to work on calming the situation.
He emphasized that, no matter how things unfold, “China will always stand for justice and remain committed to peace and stability in the Middle East. We are ready to work with all parties to promote peace in the region.”
China’s Economic Growth
Hua highlighted China’s rise from a $30 billion economy to a $17.8 trillion one, making it the world’s second-largest economy and a leader in trade and industry.
He reiterated China’s goal to maintain high-level openness, push for high-quality economic development, and promote a multipolar world with fair global governance and inclusive economic globalization.
Saudi-China Relations
Hua described the partnership between Saudi Arabia and China as entering a new phase of deep development, congratulating Saudi Arabia on its 94th National Day.
He noted that Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia has boosted bilateral relations and strengthened the comprehensive strategic partnership, driving it towards a more stable and prosperous future.
The ambassador stressed the need to expand trade and investment between the two countries and highlighted the upcoming “Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025” as a key event.
Hua also pointed out that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman values the strong and historic relationship between the two nations.
The Crown Prince looks forward to further aligning Saudi Vision 2030 with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, expanding cooperation in energy, investment, and culture.
Hua noted that China is Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $100 billion in the past two years. He also mentioned the recent currency swap agreement between the two countries, which has helped boost trade and investment.
New Developments in Saudi-China Relations
According to Hua, the cooperation between the two nations has grown significantly, particularly in the automotive, renewable energy, and tourism sectors.
In 2023, Saudi imports of Chinese cars reached $4.12 billion, driven by companies like Changan, Geely, MG, Chery, Great Wall, Hongqi, GAC, and BYD, which have opened branches in the kingdom.
Discussions are ongoing about building local manufacturing plants. China exported 4.91 million vehicles in 2023, making it the largest car exporter globally for the first time, including 1.203 million electric vehicles, a 77.6% increase from the previous year.
Hua noted that Saudi Vision 2030 aims for electric vehicles to account for at least 30% of all cars in Riyadh by 2030, and he expressed optimism about enhancing collaboration in automotive manufacturing.
Chinese companies are also increasingly involved in Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy sector. They are working on multiple solar projects, including the Al Shuaibah photovoltaic plant, the largest of its kind in the world, with a capacity of 2.6 gigawatts.
In July 2023, the Renewable Energy Localization Company (RELC), backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, signed agreements with three Chinese firms—Envision Technology Group, Jinko Solar, and TCL Zhonghuan—to establish joint ventures for high-efficiency solar cell production in Saudi Arabia.
These projects will focus on producing solar components, helping Saudi Arabia achieve its goal of sourcing 75% of renewable energy project components locally by 2030.
Hua also highlighted the increasing exchange of visits between citizens of both countries. In September 2023, China and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate group tourism, making the kingdom an official destination for Chinese tour groups.
Several Chinese travel agencies have begun offering packages to Saudi Arabia, and direct flights between the two countries are increasing. Saudi Airlines has expanded its routes, operating numerous weekly flights between Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Riyadh, and Jeddah.