International defense conference kicks off in Abu Dhabi, corporate participation surges 50%

Riyadh: More than 1,300 companies will attend next week’s International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi – a 50% increase in attendance for the 2021 event.

First held in 1993 and now in its 16th year, the IDEX conference is organized by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions and the Ministry of Defense and will take place from 20-24 February.

“The number of exhibiting companies increased to 1,350, a 50% increase compared to 2021,” Humaid Matar Al-Dhaheri, ADNEC Group Managing Director and CEO, said in a statement.

“This edition of the show is expected to attract more than 130,000 visitors, including VIPs, decision makers and experts from all over the world, a 209% increase compared to 2021,” he added.

The number of participating countries has increased to 65, an increase of 10% compared to 2021 and a 200% increase compared to the first edition.

ADNEC and the Department of Defense also co-organized the launch of the 7th Naval Defense Exhibition, which was held concurrently.

“The Ministry of Defense’s support for IDEX and NAVDEX is part of the UAE’s efforts to keep pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution towards a knowledge economy and sustainable development across sectors,” explained the Vice-Chairman of the Senior Organizing Committee, Mubarak Saeed bin Gafan Al-Jabri .

“Over the past 30 years, IDEX and NAVDEX have witnessed a significant growth in the number of local and international participants, as well as an accelerated growth in the volume of announced deals,” added Al-Jabri.

Both IDEX and NAVDEX aim to provide a global platform through which to showcase and discuss the latest innovations in the international defense field.

In addition to this, the conference and exhibition also opens the door to potential opportunities and strategic cooperation with major global companies specialized in the defense and military industry.