Idex 2011 to feature 151 UAE firms

The UAE will highlight its defence capabilities to the world with 151 companies taking up indoor and outdoor exhibition space at the 10th International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex 2011), marking a 48 per cent increase in the number of UAE participants compared to 102 UAE companies at Idex's last edition in 2009.

Idex 2011, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, will be hosted from February 20th to 24th, 2011 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) UAE. In total, more than 950 exhibitors are participating at the show representing more than 50 countries. More than 50,000 visitors are expected to attend including around 150 official delegations from around the world.

Idex 2011 is organised by Adec in association with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ. At 10,299sqm, the UAE pavilion will be the largest national pavilion at Idex 2011, and will host many of the 151 UAE exhibitors including: Tawazun Holding, Mubadala Development Company, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, etisalat, Griffon Aerospace, Thales Advanced Solutions and Advanced Integrated Systems.

Besides the UAE, other large national pavilions at Idex include Germany (3,518sqm, 55 companies), USA (3,295sqm, 65 companies), Turkey (2,600sqm, 45 companies), Italy (1,516sqm27 companies), France (1,427sqm, 61 companies) and China (1,058sqm, 18 companies).

"At every new edition, the UAE's contribution to Idex grows and the evolving nature of our country's defence and security industry becomes more apparent. Whilst we are known for making significant investments both at home and abroad, each year increasing interest falls on what the UAE has to offer the industry in terms of technology and services, and this year it seems will be no exception," according to a statement from the Idex 2011 organisers.

"Core investment companies such as our headline sponsors Tawazun, have really shaped the evolution of the UAE's defence industry over the past few years, and have brought a greater onus on what we as a nation can offer-up for the growing defence and security demands of this region." Tawazun, the show's headline sponsor, has also contracted a significant amount of space - 1,547sqm indoors and 146sqm outdoors, housing 10 related subsidiaries including, Caracal International, Burkan Munition systems, Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments, Tawazun Precision Industries and Caracal Light Ammunition.

Around 54 UAE companies are making their Idex debut in the exclusive First-Time Exhibitor Zone. This reiterates the UAE's evolution from buyer to supplier, and the country's ongoing commitment to developing defence manufacturing and supply capabilities.

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