Idex: UAE Armed Forces sign deals worth $5.70bln

The UAE is leading the global Covid-19 recovery phase and the successful completion of the 15th International Defence Exhibition (Idex) and the Naval Defence Exhibition (Navdex) in Abu Dhabi has been a testimony to the same.

The biggest defence expo in the Middle East saw the UAE Armed Forces sign deals worth Dh20.95 billion with local and international companies over the past five days.

Compared to the total of Dh20.05 billion worth of contracts awarded in 2019, it is a remarkable achievement in relation to the economic activity and continuity. Held with the highest standard of safety measures, the exhibition received more than 62,000 visitors — local and international — at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, top officials said during a media briefing on Thursday.

Among other high points were the launch of the UAE’s first air defence missile, first-ever fully electric tracked vehicle manufactured in the country, the first fast patrol boats to be designed by Emirati hands and showcasing the rapid strides the country and the citizens have made in the past years.

Major General Staff Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee for the exhibition, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Abu Dhabi Police, termed the exhibition as an “exceptional” edition.

“The exhibition has been successful in upholding its status as an integrated platform that attracted the world despite the challenges and the circumstances of the pandemic.”

He pointed out the exhibition showcasing the latest technologies and advanced innovation in the global defence sector was in line with the rapid development of the fourth industrial revolution.

There were 900 companies from 59 countries and 35 international pavilions. And five countries, including Israel, made their debut this time.

Al Mazrouei said the UAE leadership has proved that the Capital is “capable of hosting the world”.

“The guidance of the leadership is the reason behind the success. As we conclude this edition, we start a new chapter of pioneering in 2021 that brings us closer to celebrating the golden anniversary of the establishment of the UAE.”

Al Mazrouei pointed out the strict implementation of international health and safety standards, which includes a mandatory RT-PCR test done within 48 hours. “We ensured the health, safety and well-being of all participants.”

Al Mazrouei said the expo is a “turning point” in the revival of tourism in the country. “The results of this edition have exceeded all expectations. This is a new turning point that predicts the revival of the tourism industry in the country. This enhances our competitiveness and expansion to new markets.”

Major General Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al Balushi, Head of the Executive Directorate of Industries and Development of Defence Capabilities at the Ministry of Defence and Vice-Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee for Idex and Navdex, said the expo shows that the UAE leads the sustainable recovery phase of Covid-19.

“The UAE has once again proved its competitiveness at the international level and its capability to host a world-class event. We conclude this chapter with confidence and optimism. We hosted more than110 international delegations, decision-makers, investors and experts, which is an expression of their confidence in the UAE.”

The exhibition, Al Balushi noted, serves as a global platform for advanced defence technology solutions. “This is a gateway for strategic partnerships and signing of many deals. We witnessed the highest value of deals for the UAE Armed Forces. We are drawing long-term strategies, security and defence plans in order to develop the solutions to face the future challenges in the light of the fourth industrial revolution.”

The UAE Armed Forces signed a total of 86 deals worth Dh20.95 billion with local and international companies. While 53 UAE firms were awarded deals worth Dh10.6 billion, 33 international companies bagged deals worth Dh10.35 billion. On the final day, the Armed Forces inked 20 deals worth Dh904 million.