The UAE will highlight its defence capabilities to the world with 151 companies from across the Emirates taking up indoor and outdoor exhibition space at the 10th International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2011), marking a 48 percent increase in the number of UAE participants compared to 102 UAE companies at IDEX’s last edition in 2009.
IDEX 2011
IDEX 2011 will be hosted from February 20th to 24th 2011 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. In total, more than 950 exhibitors are participating at the show representing more than 50 countries. More than 50,000 visitors are expected to attend including around 150 official delegations from around the world.
Main Organizer
IDEX 2011 is organised by ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company) in association with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ.
Details of UAE active participation
At 10,299sqm, the UAE pavilion will be the largest national pavilion at IDEX 2011, and will host many of the 151 UAE exhibitors including: Tawazun Holding, Mubadala Development Company, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, Etisalat, Griffon Aerospace, Thales Advanced Solutions LLC and Advanced Integrated Systems.
Other Countries engagements
Besides the UAE, other large national pavilions at IDEX include Germany (3,518sqm, 55 companies), USA (3,295sqm, 65 companies), Turkey (2,600sqm, 45 companies), Italy (1,516sqm27 companies), France (1,427sqm, 61 companies) and China (1,058sqm, 18 companies).
Importance of IDEX
“Each year the UAE’s contribution to IDEX grows and the evolving nature of our country’s defence and security industry becomes more apparent at every new edition. Whilst we are known for making significant investments both at home and abroad, each year increasing interest falls on what the UAE has to offer the industry in terms of technology and services, and this year it seems will be no exception,” according to a statement from the IDEX 2011 organisers.
Tawazun’s contribution
“Core investment companies such as our headline sponsors Tawazun, have really shaped the evolution of the UAE’s defence industry over the past few years, and have brought a greater onus on what we as a nation can offer-up for the growing defence and security demands of this region.” Tawazun, the show’s headline sponsor, has also contracted a significant amount of space – 1,547sqm indoors and 146sqm outdoors, housing 10 related subsidiaries including, Caracal International LLC, Burkan Munition systems LLC, Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments LLC, Tawazun Precision Industries and Caracal Light Ammunition.
Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, Chief Executive Officer of Tawazun
“Tawazun is proud to sponsor IDEX and NAVDEX. These events provide a unique opportunity for Tawazun companies to showcase their capabilities to key government and military decision makers from the Middle East, North Africa and Asia, and leading defence companies from around the world,” said Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, Chief Executive Officer of Tawazun.
Mubadala Stand
Mubadala will host the largest UAE stand, in a massive 1,870 sqm space, which will be home to subsidiary companies including: Al Taif, AMMROC, Bayanat, Horizon, Injazat, Waha Capital, and YahSat. Abu Dhabi Ship Building, also a Mubadala subsidiary, will be a leading participant at the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX), being held in parallel with IDEX 2011.
High Repute of IDEX
“IDEX has established a reputation for attracting a global audience of industry leaders and dignitaries. The UAE’s defence industry has become an important economic driver, drawing high-end skills and incubating knowledge that is vital to continued innovation and growth across a range of UAE industry sectors,” a spokesperson from Mubadala said. “Mubadala is delighted to be participating at IDEX along with eight of its subsidiary companies that support the UAE Armed Forces and regional militaries. In line with global military trends, these companies are focused on enabling the military to concentrate on its core operations by helping provide sophisticated outsourced support services,” he added In addition to long-standing UAE exhibitors at IDEX, 54 UAE companies are making their IDEX debut in the exclusive First-Time Exhibitor Zone. This reiterates the UAE’s evolution from buyer to supplier, and the country’s ongoing commitment to developing defence manufacturing and supply capabilities.
Ideal Platform
Celebration its 10th edition in 2011, IDEX is considered to be the ideal platform within the region for the defence industry to showcase emerging technology, equipment, trends and strategy. This year, with the inaugural NAVDEX running in parallel, the combined events will feature a comprehensive array of land, sea and air defence systems and equipment. – Emirates News Agency, WAM