Idex occupies a premier position among defence shows

Abu Dhabi has started the countdown for what could be the biggest defence show to be held in the Middle East. More than 900 global arms producers will showcase their latest products at the International Defence Exhibition (Idex) 2009 in February, the event's director revealed yesterday.

In an interview with Emirates Business, Mohammed Omair Al Mashgouni, Idex 2009 Director, said that companies from 50 countries have confirmed their participation in Idex, but organisers believe more participants could apply in the next few months.

The President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, is expected to inaugurate the show which will run from February 22 to 26. This is the ninth Idex exhibition to be hosted by the capital since 1993. The first Idex event attracted nearly 350 participants.


—How large will the event be and what kind of participation are you expecting?

—More than 900 exhibitors from over 50 countries and 30 national pavilions are set to occupy all 12 halls of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre's 55,000-square metre venue. Key participants will include the United States, Britain, Italy, France, Russia, Turkey and many others.

We are now talking about 900 companies but the number could increase in the next few months as more firms could confirm their participation. This show is the largest in the region and has become one of the biggest defence exhibitions in the world.

—Are there any changes that you have made in the 2009 edition of the exhibition?

—Idex 2009 will be much larger than previous editions and this will be the first time it is held at the fully complete exhibition centre. Marina facilities have also been enhanced and we expect a broader range of naval craft will be able to participate in the displays.

The delegation programme has also been enhanced to ensure that exhibitors and visitors can gain more from their presence at the show. High profile people, including heads-of-state and ministers will be invited to Idex 2009. We have invited over 66 delegations from the Middle East and around the world to take part. Idex has clearly become one of the largest shows in the world. It has grown steadily and occupies a premier position among defence shows. It has established credentials and is highly regarded by professionals in the defence industry.

—Some comments have recently been made in foreign countries that this kind of an exhibition is making the UAE a venue for the promotion of weapons. What do you feel about this?

—The UAE's main aim in organising such events is not to promote weapons. These are defence exhibitions, which include purely defence weapons. Our intention is to give the participating companies a chance to show their products and technology. Such events actually support the image of the UAE as a platform for new technologies. The thousands of delegates who come to these events also have the chance to see the UAE, which will promote the country as a tourist destination. Don't forget Idex attracts more than 40,000 visitors who also take time out and go sight-seeing in the UAE.

Idex serves Adnec, Abu Dhabi and the whole of the UAE. It is the largest show organised by Adnec and is usually inaugurated by the UAE President and attended by the country's top leadership, foreign presidents and many high-ranking officials from other countries. It is really a big event. Idex will also incorporate the Gulf Defence Conference, which is regarded in international academic and military circles as a top forum on defence strategies and technologies. It will also include live demos on land, air and sea.

—What new products we can expect to see at the exhibition?

—At this point in time, we do not have specific information on what our exhibitors are going to display or what products will be launched during Idex. But given our past experience, we expect many companies to use Idex 2009 as the launch pad for a range of sophisticated weapons. Also, with the event's defined focus on technology, we expect the latest technologies to be unveiled at the show.

—Are you expecting any weapons deals to be signed?

—It is up to the participating companies and visiting delegations to finalise any weapons deals. The UAE has, of course, used previous Idex events to unveil major defence packages, such as the multi-billion dollar deals to purchase 436 French-built Leclerc battle tanks and about 80 F-16 jetfighters from the US. Idex is seen worldwide as one of the most important marketing opportunities for the global defence industry. Contracts worth more than $545m (Dh3bn) were finalised during the previous edition of Idex, including the $380m (Dh1.4bn) worth of deals signed by the UAE Armed Forces.

—What preparations have you taken on the logistics side for such as huge event?

—We are in touch with UAE hotels to ensure there will be enough rooms at reasonable rates for visitors to the show. This was a problem area during previous editions of the event. We are now co-ordinating with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and talking to hotels to make sure they will not raise their rates and provide enough rooms for the delegates. The problem may not be fully solved but there will be significant improvement this time.


History of Idex

Idex was first held in Abu Dhabi in 1993, when nearly 350 companies participated. It has developed over the years into one of the largest ground and naval arms show in the world.

Several major weapons deals were announced by the UAE armed forces during the previous eight editions of Idex, including jet fighters, tanks, warships and frigates. The biggest two deals involved the purchase of 436 Leclerc battle tanks for around $3.5bn (Dh12.8bn) and nearly 80 F-16 jet fighters worth more than $6bn.

Many Idex participants have in the past announced large arms deals, while others have used the show as a platform to negotiate for deals.

Idex's main displays have included tanks, artillery, helicopters, naval vessels, guns, ammunition, radar and other advanced military products. Key participants have been the US, Britain, France, Russia, Germany, Italy, Turkey, South Africa and Iran.

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