IDEX and NAVDEX: Bigger and Better Than Ever Before

Our Bureau - : Feb 17, 2025 - : 3:57 am

Now underway, the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2025)/ Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX 2025) has garnered unprecedented global attention. This year’s edition of the UAE’s premier land and naval systems defence exhibition is the largest in its 32-year history.

The UAE has traditionally relied on foreign suppliers for military equipment, but in recent years, it has made significant efforts to reduce its dependency on imports by investing in domestic defence manufacturing. This initiative is part of the broader strategy to boost national security, enhance military capabilities, and foster economic growth. The UAE's efforts are aligned with the country's broader diversification goals, where the focus is not just on military equipment, but also on establishing the UAE as a hub for high-tech industries.

There are over 1,565 companies from 65 countries exhibiting at the event, marking a 16 percent increase in participation over the previous edition. There are 731 new companies participating this year, an indication of the UAE’s appetite for new and innovative defence technologies. More than 156 start-ups, (both domestic and international) are also participating at the exhibition. As per the organisers, more than 3,300 products and technologies are being showcased at the 2025 editions of IDEX and NAVDEX. Seven new countries are participating: Qatar, Ethiopia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, and Cyprus.

Forty one national pavilions are present this year, with 213 national companies exhibiting accounting for 16 percent of total exhibitors. International companies make up 84 percent of the total show presence. The total exhibition space has expanded 181,501 square metres, increasing by 10% as compared to the previous edition

This year’s edition will set a new record by hosting more than 1,800 participants, marking a 414 percent increase since its launch in 2015. A new dedicated platform for CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives) awareness has been launched, with participation from 38 companies across 13 countries.

Idex-2025 / Navdex /