IDEX Proves Itself to Be the Defining Defence Exhibition for These 10 Reasons

The International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) ranks as number one in the sector for public security, armaments and defense technology. It emerged as a natural leader in the Middle East upon its foundation in 1993 and has subsequently brought in much international presence.

The exhibition serves the GCC region but has also had a strong pull among countries in the Asian Subcontinent and North Africa. IDEX builds productive channels of communication between all these neighboring countries - UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and more - and leads to long-term partnerships. According to data from the last edition, the number of countries participating in IDEX has grown to 62 compared to the previous 57 countries. We’re also seeing this in the jump in the number of national pavilions - 33 from the previous 28. This proves the growth potential for the exhibition as there is a lot more to do and a lot more bridges to be built.

Attendance numbers have also significantly risen over the last few editions. This applies to both exhibitors and trade visitors. Currently, 1310 exhibitors have most recently taken the opportunity to showcase their products in the 12 exhibition halls and sizeable outdoor exhibition areas for large vehicles. The volume of visitors has swelled to 124,000 trade visitors ranging from government officials to private investors. This has resulted in a steep increase in the value of deals signed by the UAE Armed Forces, which currently sits at AED20.053 Billion.

So who attends IDEX? Everyone with actual authority over the defense sector. Defense Ministers, Chiefs of Staff and Army, Navy and Airforce Commanders, individuals and representatives, are the most high-ranking visitors. As a whole, IDEX invites a lot of official delegations from around the world. As an exhibitor, you’re expertly positioned to gain the most visibility and penetrate new markets.

IDEX covers just about every type of defense option on land and air. The product portfolio covers defense and fire protection solutions, ammunition, weapons, rockets, tanks, military gear, tactical equipment, surveillance systems, NBC & CBRN Defence systems, radar systems, humanitarian aid and electronic warfare systems. This makes it easy for defense contractors and governments to scope out future purchases in one location as well as conduct in-depth research on the technologies that emerge in recent years.

What’s even more important is the co-location with NAVDEX, the Naval Defence Exhibition, which completes the value chain with access to warships and other types of maritime equipment. The created synergy further cements IDEX as the go-to platform for communication, research and purchase on a global level. It also helps that Abu Dhabi alongside the rest of the Emirates is known for its weapons and defense technology manufacturing.

It’s not just static exhibits and presentations that convince buyers to purchase. It won’t be IDEX without a practical showcase. The Outdoor Demonstration Area is not to be missed and it gives an opportunity for armed forces vehicles to show exactly what they’re made of by simulating real conditions. Vehicles are put to the test in several conditions and tasks. We also have to mention that IDEX features only the best companies in the world – IAG, Marakeb, Calidus, International Golden Group, The Armored Group and Al Jasoor. Aside from the daily choreographed program, companies can also schedule private demonstrations to give their full attention to potential buyers.

Last but far from least, we should discuss the Defence Conference. Organized by ADNEC and the Tawazun Economic Council, this conference has no rival thanks to its scope of topics and healthy attendance rate. We are talking about 2400 online participants, 400 in-person attendees and 24 experts taking to the stage to discuss the current state of affairs.

The last edition explored the future of war and defense. Programming was built on four major pillars - Cyber Security, Supply Chain, Research & Development and the 4iR & Artificial Intelligence Protection. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly created new challenges and forced companies to reevaluate the current way of working things. Heidi Grant, Eman Al Alwadhi, Yook Seok Kim, Dr. Uzi Rubin, Marco Obiso, Helmut Rauch and Badr Al-Olama are some of the names that take to the stage.

The conference alongside the unparalleled business opportunities firmly places IDEX as the event to beat in the defense sector!