The 10th edition of IDEX opened its doors to VIP visitors on Sunday 20th and today, Monday, to all visitors. The event, which is being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates runs until Thursday 24th February. IDEX is the largest defence and security event in the Middle East and North African region, and this year 900 companies, including several UAS manufacturers and local agents, are exhibiting.
This year the entire ADNEC venue is being taken over for the event. Inside the venue will deliver over 37,700 m² of event space featuring over 25 country pavilions and hundreds of exhibition stands. Outside areas will offer static displays and demonstration zones.
IDEX is organised by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) in association with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
In 2009 IDEX welcomed 150 delegations who attended the official opening ceremony and were welcomed back for independent tours around the exhibition. Last year, the UAE Armed Forces announced deals worth AED 18.4 billion (US $5 billion), making IDEX one of the most successful defence shows for exhibitors to achieve signed business agreements
Running in parallel with IDEX, NAVDEX, the dedicated exhibition for the naval defence and coastline security industry, will be linked to IDEX by a pedestrian bridge from the exhibition centre to the marina area. NAVDEX 2011 will feature an indoor exhibition, on-water exhibits, outside-quayside displays, visiting naval vessels and daily on-water demonstrations
Abu Dhabi is the seat of federal government and the country’s capital. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) lies on the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and west and the Sultanate of Oman to the southeast, while Qatar lies to the northwest.
The UAE was formally established in December 1971, following an agreement between rulers of the seven emirates to form a union. These emirates are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
Abu Dhabi, the largest of the seven emirates to make up the United Arab Emirates, occupies over 80% of the country’s total land mass and features a coastline that stretches over 700 kilometres.
The capital city, Abu Dhabi, is located on a low-lying island, featuring a Manhattan like skyline with tree-lined roads and landscaped parks and gardens. Sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf, which surround the city, complete the scenic vista.