Page 30 - ADT JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2023 Online Magazine

latest in defence technology and equipment. HIGH-LEVEL PANELS
The IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions have seen sig- AI and Autonomous Systems, Diversity and Inclusiveness in the
nificant growth over the years. The UAE Armed Defence Sector, and Emerging Technologies and Their Impact on
Forces signed deals during IDEX and NAVDEX the Sector are the three main themes of the 15 high-level panels
2021 worth more than $5 billion, although that which will be hosted during IDEX and NAVDEX. The sessions feature
was the first global defence event to take place international distinguished intellectual leaders and decision-mak-
after one year of Covid-19 restrictions. The exhi- ers who will give interviews and presentations giving insight into
bitions are expected to continue to grow in size how advanced technology backs decision-making and speed it
and scale in 2023 as the defence industry con- up through enhancing organisational flexibility in defence sectors.
tinues to evolve and expand.
“The sessions contribute to consolidating the leading position of
IDEX NEXT_GEN the two exhibitions and the accompanying conference as a global
platform for exchanging knowledge and expertise with elite leaders
The 16th edition of IDEX will introduce IDEX NEXT_ of defence industries in the world and provide a real opportunity to
GEN, a platform for startups. IDEX NEXT_GEN discuss a range of issues related to defence industries and advanced
gives about 100 startups from all over the world technology. They also shed light on the UAE’s distinguished capabil-
the chance to accelerate their growth, connect ities in the sector, and its efforts to define a more developed future
with investors and network with key stakehold- for the defence sector and defence technologies,” says Brigadier
ers in the global defence sector. This will give General Mohammed Hamad Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Organizing
entrepreneurs the opportunity to exhibit their Committee of IDEC 2023.
defence and naval defence sector solutions
and technologies to industry leaders. The events IDEC 2023
will also unveil the Innovation Trail, a curated Along with the 16th edition of IDEX and the 7th edition of NAVDEX,
exhibit tour, featuring the latest defence and the International Defence Conference 2023 (IDEC 2023) will be held
naval products and innovations from top global at the ADNOC Business Center in Abu Dhabi on the 19th of February
brands. Entrepreneurs can submit their most 2023. The conference will consist of four main discussion panels cov-
innovative products and solutions for inclusion ering various topics, including the risk of widespread adoption of new
on this tour which will attract the attention of technologies; the impact of increasing the integration of advanced
thousands of international and local purchasers.
technologies in the workplace on talent development; the impact of
IDEX THINK_TANK technologies on modern operations and future wars; and expanding
the human footprint in space and the digital field.
Another new feature to be presented this year
is IDEX Think_Tank, a novel concept exclusively After three decades of IDEX and more than a decade of NAVDEX,
launched in 2023 meant to drive change across one can say that there are these events are definitely pinnacles for
the global defence industry. IDEX Think_Tank the defence and naval industries. Presenting products to clients and
will bring together groups of 6 elite interna- being able to demonstrate the actual product on such a massive
tional defence and security experts in a series scale grants the exhibitors much better and higher opportunities to
of 75-minute sessions for strategic, à huis clos be able to connect and generate business. These grand defence
discussions. These discussions will tackle critical events are an opportunity for the international defence and naval
topics and are expected to produce “exclu- community to demonstrate the innovation that they have available
sive strategic white papers,” according to the to them, and they are a place for partnerships to walk forward to
organisers. The six sessions will cover the areas the future. This is no longer just a defence exhibition, by now it is a
of land defence, naval defence, air defence, pilgrimage spot for any defence and naval defence professional or
space defence, youth in defence, and women expert that aspires to develop their business and network in the field.
in defence.
IDEX & NAVDEX TALKS

All IDEX and NAVDEX guests and participants
will have access to sessions that are intended
to cover numerous issues related to the defence
sector. IDEX Talks include sessions on the fol-
lowing topics: Women and Youth in defence,
space defence, and case studies from defence
professionals relating to real-world experiences.
In their turn, NAVDEX Talks are to shed light on
the naval defence industry and are to take place
in the new Marina Hall. All these sessions are
free of charge.

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