Press Release Details

10th IDEX and Inaugural NAVDEX a resounding success

Publication Date: 28 Feb 2011

The 10th anniversary IDEX edition and the debut edition of NAVDEX have seen a wealth of major deals, unveiling of advanced new technologies, success of new innovations such as the First Time Exhibitor Zone, and the presence of government and military decision-makers underscoring IDEX’s stature as one of the most significant business platforms for the global defence industry.

“The fact that, after nearly 20 years, we can continue to bring in the latest technology and keep our attendees engaged with new additions is something all of us at IDEX and NAVDEX are very proud of,” says His Excellency Major General Obaid Al Ketbi, Head of Committees and Spokesman for IDEX 2011. 

“We are very pleased with the turnout of this year’s IDEX and NAVDEX,” says His Excellency Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Managing Director of ADNEC. “Every year IDEX grows from strength to strength and this year has certainly built on that long history of success.” 

Final figures of this year’s exhibition show record attendance with more than 60,000 visitors, 1,060 companies from 53 countries and 150 official delegations participating in a total event space of 124,000sqm. Four naval ships from the UAE, UK, France and Australia took part while military bands from New Zealand, Australia and the UAE performed through daily opening ceremonies and events.

Over the course of the five-day show, the UAE Armed Forces announced deals worth more than AED 14.5bn. Other deals unveiled included BAE systems signing with the US Navy to build guns for Littoral Ships; FLIR Systems signing to provide electro-optical infrared sensors for General Aeronautical’s Predator UAV; ITT teaming with THEON Sensors to provide night vision for Swedish Forces; KMW and Daimler AG signing to service Mercedes-Benz trucks for the German Armed Forces; and Beretta winning a huge contract to supply Mx4 carbines to India.

As always, national and international companies used IDEX as a forum to unveil major new technologies and equipment.

Among many of the major highlights from the UAE were Caracal International unveiling its new H type pistol and its first line of rifles; NIMR Automotive introducing its 6x6 short wheelbase platform, the first military truck to be designed and built in the UAE; Bayanat, introducing the UAE’s premier and leading geospatial service system for public and private sector clients; and Yahsat, Abu Dhabi’s first satellite company, announcing its ultra- secure Ka band coverage for the region which is aimed at secure networking, mission critical applications, border control, disaster recovery and backup for key data networks.

From abroad, technologies being exhibited for the first time internationally included First Win of Thailand’s all new advanced multipurpose vehicle; a Long Range Target Acquisition System and Airborne TAC ELINT Pod by Samsung Thales; a new low cost and high endurance class of UAVs from French company Flying Robots; and the ORA Platform, a fully integrated intelligence monitoring and investigations system by Olton, Microsoft and Dell.

This year’s IDEX also garnered appreciation from the many exhibitors and country pavilions participating.

Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, CEO of headline sponsor Tawazun Holding, said, “IDEX 2011 has surpassed all expectations. Tawazun has been proud to be able to showcase its portfolio of products and capabilities and introduce national and international visitors to new subsidiaries that demonstrate the UAE’s ability to innovate, develop and pioneer and its commitment to long-term success.”

“Not only is this our largest ever presence at IDEX, but this is our largest ever presence at an international event in terms of companies exhibiting,” added a representative of the South African pavilion. “We have received very positive attention and a great deal of visitors. We will definitely be increasing our presence at IDEX 2013.”

Reflecting this sentiment, Yuan Jun, Marketing Director for China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), noted, “This has been an excellent business opportunity for us.  Quite simply, IDEX is the largest defence event in the region - every year we come we create valuable relationships and engage with important customers. We will certainly have a presence at every event for the foreseeable future.”

Contributing to the success of events, the First Time Exhibitors Zone brought in new and exciting exhibitors and technology while NAVDEX has emerged as the largest naval exhibition in the MENA region. Beyond this, the engaging live demonstrations as well as the decision to repeat the opening ceremony on all days brought in a huge number of visitors, keeping the grandstand full throughout the week. 

This year’s Gala dinner and awards ceremony recognised the work of exhibitors in contributing to the event’s success. Major awards from the Gala included Rheinmetall AG (Germany) and the UAE’s Abu Dhabi Ship Building, which bagged ‘Best Exhibition Stand’ at IDEX and NAVDEX respectively. The final award of the evening gave special recognition to the IDEX & NAVDEX headline sponsor, Tawazun Holding, acknowledging their contribution to this year’s success.

Also reporting record success with over 400 delegates in attendance, the Gulf Defence Conference, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nayhan, president of the UAE; addressed emerging threats and novel technologies involved in GCC defence and the regional security industry.

While events wrap of for IDEX and NAVDEX 2011, organisers have already begun looking forward to the next editions in 2013. A thorough review of exhibitor and attendee satisfaction will allow organisers to continue to improve on the long history of success that has come to define IDEX.

For more information:
Brian Carvalho
Marketing & PR Specialist
Tel: (971) 2 4063475
Email: brian.carvalho@adnec.ae