The Under-Secretary of the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense, Mattar Salem Ali Al Dhaheri, has hailed the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) and Naval Defence & Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) as a boon for the nation's defense industries. Held in February 2023 under the patronage of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the events provided a significant platform for international and domestic defense companies to showcase advancements in security and defense technologies.
Al Dhaheri emphasized the exhibitions' role in aligning with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, which prioritizes diversification of the UAE's economy. He highlighted the growing importance of the defense sector, stating that recent years have witnessed a surge in its appeal and value. This growth, he noted, has led to a distinct "Emirati mark" on the global defense industry landscape.
Data suggested that the 2023 edition of IDEX and NAVDEX promised to be a landmark event, evolving beyond a mere exhibition space. Al Dhaheri envisioned the event transforming into a global forum, attracting decision-makers, military personnel, industry experts, and thought leaders. This international gathering would be facilitated by conferences and seminars held alongside the exhibitions, fostering discussions on critical military, defense, and technological issues.
The Under-Secretary expressed his gratitude to the event organizers and the UAE's leadership. Their unwavering support, he stressed, provided the most effective means to bolster the national economy and maximize its potential. The success of IDEX and NAVDEX 2023, Al Dhaheri concluded, served as a testament to this commitment.