The International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) and the Naval Defense and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) concluded their 15th edition on Thursday in Abu Dhabi, announced the Higher Organizing Committee for the exhibitions.
The five-day events, which kicked off on Feb. 21, saw the signing of deals worth AED20.957 billion ($5.7 billion) among foreign and local companies.
Five deals with international companies and 15 with local companies were inked on the final day of the exhibitions, at a value of AED904.2 million ($246.2 million).
The events have seen extensive local and international participation. The success of this edition lies in the fact that it was the first global defense event to take place in the post-pandemic recovery stage, with 62,445 people attending the venue.
About 900 exhibitors, 59 countries and 35 international pavilions participated in IDEX and NAVDEX 2021. Five countries took part for the first time: Israel, North Macedonia, Luxembourg, Portugal and Azerbaijan.
“The 15th edition of the IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions has been nothing short of exceptional,” said Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf al-Mazrouei, who is also chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee.
“These events continue to bolster their global position, providing exhibitors and participants from around the world with an integrated global platform, in spite of the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“IDEX and NAVDEX drive and enable innovation, in line with the rapid development of the fourth industrial revolution,” he stressed.
“The foremost achievement in this edition was the stringent and rigorous implementation of all precautionary measures that preserved the health and safety of all participants, exhibitors and visitors,” he noted.
“IDEX and NAVDEX 2021 enabled the return of the national business tourism sector, alongside continuing to support the UAE’s defense industry. These exhibitions ensure that UAE products are globally competitive by meeting the needs of the nation and reaching new markets,” Mazrouei explained.
Head of the Executive Directorate of Industries and Development of Defense Capabilities at the Ministry of Defense Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh al-Balushi said the UAE has once again demonstrated its global leadership in hosting and organizing international and strategic events.
“This year’s exhibitions have seen the UAE Armed Forces sign the highest value of deals.”
“The signing of such agreements plays a pivotal role in devising and implementing long-term security and defense strategies and ensuring the adoption of optimal solutions to face future challenges, given the fourth industrial revolution,” he noted.
Humaid Matar al-Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), said: “Ninety-six percent of visitors and exhibitors to IDEX and NAVDEX were satisfied with the exhibition, which is considered one of the highest rates in the global exhibition and conference sector.”
The wide range of precautionary protocols, which ADNEC rigorously implemented across its infrastructure, also met the approval of those visiting IDEX and NAVDEX, as well as specialists in the exhibition and conference sector, he added.
