The Evolution of IDEX as the Benchmark for the Industry

IDEX, the largest defence exhibition in the MENA region, is returning for its 12th anniversary edition to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratesfrom the 22nd to the 26th of February 2015.
Reigning as the most strategically important tri-service defence exhibition in the world, IDEX is sure to deliver no less than an impressive exhibition of colossal proportions, showcasing the UAE’sevolving prowess and expertise in the industry. With one of the highest per capita spending in the world, the UAE is on the fast-track to developing the most cutting-edge and modern military technology, placing itself at the forefront of regional security.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, IDEX will once again be demonstrating state-of-the-art technology across land, sea and air sectors of defence, bolstering relationships with government, armed forces and businesses.The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company retains the honor of organizing the event with the full support of the UAE Armed Forces General Headquarters.

On the topic, Saleh Al Marzooqi, IDEX CEO says:“Over the past two decades, IDEX has been steadily evolving into the global platform that it is today. An innovative forum for the world’s top decision makers and military representatives, IDEX provides visitors with the chance to not only showcase their strength and ingenuity in the industry, but also share their expertise in a knowledge-based platform. I believe that this will be the best year yet with the introduction of yet another key pillar, UMEX. We look forward to welcoming the global community to the 12th anniversary edition”

Following its inauguration in 1993, IDEX showed no signs of slowing down as it continued to attract key international military and government representatives year-on-year. The 2013 edition saw the first-time launch of Helicopter and Unmanned Systems Demonstration Areas, located on the dock-edge at ADNEC Marina. The areas provided static display space for rotary-wing aircraft and UAVs, while providing the opportunity for real-time demonstrator of systems. That same year, IDEX saw 95% of space sold out, representing the highest demand demonstrated in the event’s two decade history.

In 2007, The UAE Offset Program Bureau created Tawazun, a fully-owned subsidiary that was heavily involved in the development and expansion of the UAE’s defence supply offerings. As a strategic partner for IDEX,Tawazun has added substantial value to the UAE’s industrial manufacturing sector across defence and aerospace, munitions, metals and technology.

“As we work towards developing our own ambitions and that of our subsidiaries, we are proud to continue providing our full-fledged support at this year’s event. IDEX is the key opportunity for us to attract long-term partnerships with industry leaders and showcase our capabilities within the field. With all eyes on IDEX, Tawazun is eager to highlight the products and services we offer to a multi-cultural audience and the world’s most important decision-makers“said Saif Ali Al Marzooqi, Associate Director of Corporate Communications at Tawazun.

Since its establishment, Tawazun has contributed extensively to the development of a wide range of emerging industries in the region, working in parallel to the UAE’s plans for economic diversification. At its core, Tawazun develops ventures through industrial partnerships and strategic investments that are undoubtedly conductive to the development of the UAE’s manufacturing sector across a number of areas such as munitions, automotive and aerospace.

Saleh Al Marzooqi, IDEX CEO says: “We are very pleased to have the continued support of Tawazun, which has been a strong backer of IDEX almost since their inception,” said IDEX Director, Saleh Almarzooqi. “The on-going support of leading organisations domestically and internationally is critical to the success of IDEX. We look forward to working in partnership with Tawazun on the upcoming edition to further solidify the event’s stature in the global defence industry.”

NAVDEX – Leading the way in Naval &Maritime Security

Following a successful edition in 2013, NAVDEX returns as the leading event of its kind in the MENA region, providing attendees with a platform to address the region’s developing maritime security landscape. As it caters to regional and international audiences, NAVDEX will enable exhibitors to berth their crafts and vessels on the temporary marina pontoons, while allowing international warships to moor alongside the dock-edge to present company equipment and technology. In addition, visitors will be treated to a daily program of live choreographed exhibitor demonstrations on the dock-edge grandstand.
With piracy issues on the rise, naval security undoubtedly plays a key role in enhancing core defense systems and preserving legitimate trade in the region. NAVDEX, an opportune arrival on the IDEX scene, reflects the growing regional demands and presents itself as a significant forum for naval defence. This year, the event will once more focus on promoting maritime security technologies and facilitating dialogue between key players in the market.
Acting as NAVDEX sponsor, Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) specializes in the construction, repair and refit of Naval, Military and Commercial vessels. The sponsorship further builds off the 2013 momentum which helped reinforce a transformed maritime security zone.
Dr. Khaled Almazroui, CEO, ADSB said: “With the increasing role of satellites and geospatial surveying equipment in maintaining maritime boundaries, the MENA regions naval procurement programs are noted to trend toward fleet growth and substantial upgrade of capability. The knowledge-based platform created by IDEX and NAVDEX is central to the developing the infrastructure necessary for regional security.”

Initially centered on naval repairs and refits, ADSB successfully expanded its scope to include the building of sophisticated wars ships like the Baynunah 70m Corvette. Its establishmentcoincided with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to create a world-class facility headquartered in Abu Dhabi. As such, ADSB successfully developed into the leading ship builder and support contractor in the region for all Navy, Military and commercial operators.

Dr. Khaled Almazroui further continued:“Since its inception, ADSB has managed to build a strategic network of partners from different parts of the world, each offering diverse technical and professional expertise that complement ADSB’s specialized maritime capabilities. We are proud to support the continued success and international appeal of IDEX for the 2015 edition.”

UMEX – A key pillar in Abu Dhabi’s vision 2030
IDEX will be launching yet another key pillar – the 1st Edition of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition (UMEX) at this year’s event. Bringing the next generation of defence technology to the region, the exhibition will address changes in the market environment to develop the ideal business platform for the UAE Armed Forces.
UMEX will bridge the gap between operators and manufacturers by providing business owners with a platform to stimulate partnerships and business relationships. In an effort to keep pace with changing technology trends, the event will highlight the latest developments, trends and innovations in the industry.
Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments Company (ADASI) serves as UMEX’s principal sponsor, lining up with UMEX’s own objective of developing defence technology. ADASI’s scope of work includes the development, test, operation, training and full service support of autonomous systems for air, land and sea use. For this year, the partnership was renewed and will now also see the company sponsoring live demonstrations of the unmanned systems vehicles that will take place at Al Tarif, in the western region of Abu Dhabi.
Homaid Al Shemmari, ADASI Chairman said: “We believe UMEX 2015 has the potential to complement our strong consistent achievements. This sponsorship is line with our aim to support local industrial capabilities in autonomous systems by contributing to the UAE’s vision for comprehensive development and economic diversification.”

As part of Vision 2030, Abu Dhabi is looking towards enhancing its capabilities in the maintenance and manufacturing of civil and military aerospace equipment, defence electronics and other equipment and solutions. As such, UMEX drives the pioneering vision of Abu Dhabi in its development of ground-breaking defence technology for national security.
Ali Al Yafei, ADASI CEO further added: “We are delighted to be growing our partnership with IDEX. Our regional lead in the fields of unmanned aerial system and IDEX’s excellent reputation and outstanding expertise will make an ideal combination for the best-in-class unmanned systems exhibition in the region.”
The UMEX platform is specially designed to foster an environment that allows manufacturers and operators to meet, exchange ideas, discuss technology and most importantly – strike up new long lasting relationships. ADASI comes with progressive and ambitious business plan and will be investing heavily in operations that will further develop the world class advanced unmanned systems sectors in the UAE.
Speaking on the partnership Saleh Al Marzooqi, IDEX CEO said “The growing sophistication of unmanned systems technology is rapidly defining the modern defence era. It is through strategic partnerships and industry associations that strong business growth is achieved. We are delighted to have ADASI as principal sponsor in its first year. Unmanned systems represent the very leading-edge of defence technology, reinforcing strong security infrastructures. Supported by UAE Armed Forces GHQ and attended by regional government delegations, agencies, industry, military and civilian authorities, the event will be the ideal business platform to promote unmanned systems technology and capability to a dedicated and focused industry audience.”

IDEX is a unique platform that provides an opportunity to showcase the growing capabilities of the defence and security industry. An event of this scale requires the support and cooperation of many government entities including the Armed Forces GHQ, ADNEC, and Abu Dhabi Police among others.The success of IDEX can also be attributed to its contribution to the national economy – especially given the role it plays in attracting global investors in defence and security to the UAE. The defence and technology sectors are key pillars of Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030 and the rate of business facilitated at IDEX supplies a healthy boost to the nation’s economic output.