At Eurosatory 2026 in Paris, we sat down with Saeed bin Khadem Al Mansoori, Advisor for Military and Defence Shows at ADNEC Group, the organisation behind some of the most influential defence and security exhibitions in the world. From IDEX and NAVDEX to UMEX, SimTEX, and ISNR, ADNEC Group has built a portfolio that spans every domain of modern defence, land, sea, air, cyber, autonomous systems, and space, positioning Abu Dhabi as a comprehensive global hub where militaries, governments, and industry leaders converge.
In this conversation, Al Mansoori shares his perspective on what gives each exhibition its distinct identity, the forces driving record international participation, and how a defence show translates into lasting economic value for the UAE. He also looks ahead to IDEX and NAVDEX 2027, the emerging domains set to shape the exhibition floor, and the message he wants the international defence community to carry home about Abu Dhabi’s role on the global stage.
1. ADNEC Group’s defence portfolio spans IDEX, NAVDEX, UMEX, SimTEX and ISNR. As the advisor overseeing these, how do you see each show’s distinct identity, and how do they reinforce one another?
ADNEC Group’s defence and security portfolio spans all domains — land, sea, air, cyber, autonomous systems, and space.
IDEX and NAVDEX serve as the region’s premier defence exhibitions, attracting heads of state, military chiefs, and global defence manufacturers to showcase ground and naval defence solutions.
UMEX and SimTEX have emerged as the world’s largest event for unmanned and autonomous systems, bringing together innovators and decision-makers to showcase breakthroughs across air, land, sea, and other autonomous domains.
ISNR firmly occupies the internal security and national resilience space, covering cybersecurity, surveillance systems, smart policing, and critical infrastructure protection.
Together, this combined portfolio offers exhibitors and delegations a one-stop ecosystem where land, sea, homeland security, and autonomous systems converge under a single trusted brand — reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a comprehensive global defence hub.
2. ISNR Abu Dhabi 2026 saw a 19 percent rise in exhibitors with international firms making up 40 percent from 37 countries. What is driving that international pull, and how do you sustain it edition over edition?
The 19% rise in exhibitors and representation from 37 countries reflects growing global demand for advanced security solutions in areas like AI-driven surveillance, smart policing, and counter-terrorism technologies.
The UAE’s own significant investment in national security infrastructure signals to international companies that there is a serious, well-funded buyer base attending the show.
Abu Dhabi’s strategic geographic position between Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it a natural meeting point for international firms seeking access to high-growth markets in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
ISNR 2026 welcomed 37,434 visitors, marking a 49 per cent increase compared to the previous edition in 2024.
ADNEC sustains growth edition over edition through dedicated international pavilions, hosted buyer programs, and government-to-government engagement that guarantee quality meetings and deal flow.
3. With IDEX and NAVDEX 2027 ahead, what are your ambitions for the next edition, and which emerging domains, autonomy, AI, space, counter-UAS, will shape the floor?
Our ambition is to deliver the largest and most technologically advanced edition yet, expanding exhibition space, increasing international delegations, and elevating the quality of live demonstrations.
We will be launching additional halls to meet the demand from exhibitors in 2027, making IDEX and NAVDEX the largest in their long and esteemed history
There will be several dedicated sectors throughout the exhibition including unmanned and autonomous ground vehicles, autonomous naval vessels as militaries worldwide accelerate unmanned adoption.
As drone threats continue to grow, counter-UAS will be a priority domain — with dedicated zones showcasing detection, electronic warfare, and integrated C-UAS solutions.
At IDEX 2027 we will also be highlighting Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) with a dedicated zone.
4. You’ve described IDEX and NAVDEX as advancing the UAE’s vision for a diversified, technology-driven economy. How does a defence exhibition concretely contribute to economic diversication beyond the days of the show itself?
IDEX and NAVDEX generate billions of dirhams in announced deals during show week, but more importantly they catalyse long-term industrial partnerships, joint ventures, and offset agreements that build local manufacturing capacity.
The exhibitions attract foreign direct investment into the UAE’s defence industrial base, encouraging global Original Equipment Manufacturers to establish regional headquarters, R&D centres, and production facilities in Abu Dhabi.
They serve as a talent development platform, exposing Emirati engineers, entrepreneurs, and students to cutting-edge technologies and career pathways in defence and advanced manufacturing.
By showcasing UAE-made defence products to a global audience, the exhibitions help grow non-oil exports, directly supporting the national economic diversification agenda beyond the days of the show itself.
5. What is the one message you want the international defence community at Eurosatoryto take away about Abu Dhabi as a global defence exhibition hub?
Abu Dhabi is a strategic partner offering unmatched government support and direct access to decision-makers from across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Abu Dhabi offers a welcoming and secure environment where nations from every continent can meet, negotiate, and build trust, a unique geopolitical advantage few cities can match.
The UAE’s commitment to innovation and investment in defence means exhibitors and delegations engage with a market that is actively procuring, co-developing, and manufacturing next-generation systems.
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