The Higher Organising Committee for the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2021), the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX 2021), and the International Defence Conference has been formed in Abu Dhabi.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the exhibitions will run from 21-25 February 2021 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The Higher Organising Committee oversees the organisation of both exhibitions and the accompanying conference through a number of specialised sector-specific sub-committees. The Higher Committee looks to ensure the success of these key events, befitting the regional and international stature of the UAE.

IDEX 2021, NAVDEX 2021, and the International Defence Conference are organised by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence and the General Command of the UAE Armed Forces.

The events showcase the latest developments in the defence sector. They will highlight the latest in military technology, helping develop the national defence sector. Additionally, the exhibitions forge new strategic relationships between entities attending the event and major international companies specialised in these sectors.

Both exhibitions anticipate to draw a wide range of decision makers, sector experts, and industry specialists working in defence. Representatives will discuss how technological adoption can meet shifting global challenges, as well as discussing strategic development that contributes toward world peace.

His Excellency Major General Staff Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee for IDEX and NAVDEX, said: “IDEX and NAVDEX are pivotal in developing the UAE’s defence sector and its wider contribution to our national economic development. Over its 27 year history, IDEX has become a global platform that showcases the latest industry developments in both defence and military systems. Now, prominent international companies use IDEX and NAVDEX to showcase their most advanced products, using the opportunities of the exhibitions to conclude international deals and partnerships.”

His Excellency Major General Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al-Balushi, Vice Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee for IDEX and NAVDEX, said: “The Higher Committee is co-ordinating with a wide range of entities in both the public and private sector, in particular ADNEC. We are ensuring that IDEX and NAVDEX 2021 will be organised on schedule, following leading international standards, building on the previous successes of these exhibitions.”

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC, said: “At ADNEC, we continue to prepare to host the 15th edition of IDEX and NAVDEX 2021, as well as the International Defence Conference. We are proud to announce we have sold all available exhibition space. We anticipate welcoming over 1,300 companies from the land, air, and marine defence industries: with a growth rate of 271% compared to the inaugural edition of the exhibition in 1993.”

As ADNEC seeks to transfer global defence expertise locally, IDEX and NAVDEX will be accompanied by the International Defence Conference 2021. Held as a unique hybrid event, the conference will bring together global experts, decision-makers and specialists to either meet in-person or virtually. Participants will discuss how to balance innovation and security, how to protect and use technology in the global defence industry, given the rise of artificial intelligence and the fourth industrial revolution.

In addition, the conference will discuss how a rising pace of innovation is due to impact the global defence sector. Representatives will talk about the importance of regional and international cooperation, alongside seeking a new formula for restructuring national and international defence systems.

The previous edition of IDEX and NAVDEX welcomed a large number of local and international companies and visitors. During the five-day period, 124,400 visitors attended, alongside 1,213 international media representatives from 42 countries. AED 20 billion worth of deals were signed during the exhibitions.