His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, visited the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2025) on Monday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The event is taking place from 17th to 21st February.
During his tour of various pavilions and stands of national and international companies, Sheikh Mansour reviewed the latest advancements in defence and military industries, including cutting-edge technologies, systems, and advanced military equipment.
Sheikh Mansour engaged in discussions with representatives of participating countries and companies, listening to briefings about their most significant innovations in defence manufacturing and their latest technological defence systems.
He highlighted that the exhibition’s participation level reflects its growing global significance as a premier platform for showcasing state-of-the-art defence technologies, facilitating technology transfer, and fostering strategic partnerships between nations and companies.
He also extended thanks and appreciation to the organisers, partners, and all contributors for their efforts in ensuring the continued success and evolution of IDEX in each of its editions.
Since its inaugural edition in 1993, IDEX has witnessed significant growth in scale and international participation.
The 2025 edition of IDEX and NAVDEX has seen a 16% increase in the number of exhibiting companies, reaching 1,565 companies from 65 countries. Additionally, the total exhibition space has expanded by 10% compared to the previous edition, covering 181,501 square metres.
This year’s edition also marks the participation of 731 new companies, reflecting an 82% increase compared to the last edition, along with 41 national pavilions.
Among the exhibitors, 213 companies are UAE-based, representing 16% of the total participants, while international companies make up 84%.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, also visited the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2025, held under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi until 21st February 2025.
Sheikh Khaled toured several national and international pavilions and was briefed on key innovations and cutting-edge technologies, including advanced defence systems, equipment, solutions in artificial intelligence, digital defence technology, and unmanned systems.
Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised the importance of IDEX in driving innovation, fostering knowledge exchange, and showcasing cutting-edge defence technologies, highlighting the exhibition’s role in further strengthening the UAE’s position as a global hub for defence and security industries, as well as its expanding scope of strategic partnerships with leading companies and specialised entities across this vital sector.
He reaffirmed the UAE leadership’s commitment to the defence sector and its focus on remaining at the forefront of advanced defence technologies, stressing that adopting innovation, technological solutions, artificial intelligence, and unmanned systems further strengthens the UAE’s defence capabilities and supports the sector’s continued development.
During the tour of national pavilions, he commended the progress of the local defence industry, emphasising the need to continue empowering Emirati talent through strategic partnerships and a robust research and development ecosystem.
IDEX 2025 is a major global event specialising in the defence and security industries, attracting wide participation from more than 65 countries. The event provides a leading platform for high-level dialogue sessions attended by leaders, officials, decision-makers and specialists from around the world to showcase the latest defence technologies and explore opportunities for enhancing cooperation and strategic partnerships among local, regional and global entities in the defence industry.
The opening day of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 saw the announcement of 13 deals worth Dhs3.97 billion signed with both local and international companies.
The contracts were signed by Tawazun Council, the government entity responsible for acquisition, procurement, and contract management for the Ministry of Defense and security agencies.
The announcement was made during a press conference held by Tawazun Council spokespersons Majed Ahmed Al Jaberi, Mohammed Saif Al Zaabi, and Mahra Belal Al Dhaheri.
IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 are organised by ADNEC Group, in association with the Ministry of Defense and Tawazun Council.
Maha Bilal Al Dhaheri announced that the total value of local contracts on the first day of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 amounted to nine deals worth Dhs3.825 billion. The contracts included an agreement with International Golden Group (IGG) to procure ammunition worth Dhs685.8 million, a contract with Thales Emarat Technologies for to purchase spare parts and materials and provide maintenance and technical support worth Dhs110.5 million, and a deal with EDGE Group for a data provisioning programme and smart services valued at Dhs399.4 million.
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