Page 29 - ADT JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2023 Online Magazine

 TRADE SHOW

ARRIVING ON THE tion hall, the ADNEC Marina, to check out naval

ships and see outdoor displays. According to the
WORLD STAGE organisers, the Marina Hall is the largest exhi-
bition hall in the MENA region, which was built
on the waterfront on an area of 10,000 square
metres.
THE UPCOMING IDEX AND NAVDEX These two international exhibitions have been

EXHIBITIONS WILL SHOWCASE THE an invaluable occasion for the UAE to demon-
strate its defence capabilities, which have
PROGRESS MADE BY THE DEFENCE significantly prospered in recent years, and to

INDUSTRY IN THE MENA REGION strengthen its relations with other countries,
regionally and globally. The share of national
Emirati companies participating in IDEX rose
 REEM MOHAMED from just 22 companies in the first edition 30
years ago to 144 companies in the last edition
In 1993, the world witnessed the first edition of the International in 2021- an increase of 620 per cent. IDEX and
Defence Exhibition (IDEX), which has stood out as one of the most NAVDEX are not just exhibitions, they are plat-
strategically important tri-defence exhibitions in the world and as forms for cooperation and collaboration in the
one of its kind in the MENA region (the Middle East and North Africa). defence industry. They provide an opportunity
Later in 2011, the inaugural edition of the Naval Defence Exhibition for companies and countries to come together
(NAVDEX) was launched in parallel with IDEX. This year, during the and share their expertise and knowledge
period from 20-24 February at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition and develop new partnerships and business
Centre (ADNEC) in association with and with the full support of the opportunities. This can be attested to by the
UAE Armed Forces and under the patronage of His Highness the remarkable increase in the number of partici-
President of the United Arab Emirates, the world awaits another pants in the event over 30 years which has gone
exceptional edition of these defence events. This is to be a week up by 520 per cent.
where new defence trends are introduced and where the future of
the industry is written. WHAT DO IDEX AND NAVDEX
HAVE TO OFFER IN 2023?
IDEX provides an ideal platform for defence companies and organi-
sations to showcase their latest products, technologies, and services The gatherings attract high-level attendees,
to an international audience. Over the space of 142,000 square including top leaders, key decision-makers,
metres, exhibitors are given the opportunity to feature a wide range government ministers, and high-ranking offi-
of products and services, including armoured vehicles, artillery sys- cials, as well as international industry specialists
tems, air defence systems, electronic warfare systems, and military and professionals. It has been revealed by the
communications systems. NAVDEX serves as a specialised and con- organisers that the events will exhibit a vari-
centrated platform for international naval defence and maritime ety of new and intriguing capabilities and are
security companies to exhibit their technologies and services to a expected to engage over 130,000 professionals
global audience. NAVDEX visitors can explore a custom-built exhibi- from more than 80 countries, showcasing the
ASIAN DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2023 | 29