Military and Strategic Journal
Issued by the Directorate of Morale Guidance at the General Command of the Armed Forces
United Arab Emirates
Founded in August 1971

2014-07-01

IDEX 2015: Bigger and better

The IDEX Abu Dhabi, the Middle East’s longest running defense show, has steadily grown over the years in terms of the number of visitors and level of defense technology and equipment it has attracted. Nation Shield spoke to the IDEX CEO Saleh Almarzooqi on the sidelines of the just concluded Eurosatory in Paris. Excerpts from the interview:
 
What new features you are planning at IDEX 2015?
This year we’re excited to bring you the next generation of defense technology through the 1st Edition of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition; UMEX 2015. At IDEX we are always pushing pace and are at the forefront of industry innovations and market requirements. UMEX is the ideal platform to discuss the latest developments, trends and innovations in the UAS sector. In line with IDEX values, UMEX will be the premiere professional platform for manufacturers to meet operators and establish relationships while promoting the ecological, environmental, civil and humanitarian benefits of unmanned systems. We look forward to having it as a mainstay along IDEX and NAVDEX for years to come.
 
What will be the special attractions in the Unmanned Systems Area?
Unmanned systems represent the very leading-edge of defense technology. We look forward to having autonomous and special mission systems on display to demonstrate how innovative systems design and technological integration can help further enhance national security, and help nations conduct high level surveillance, security and exploration missions, including Search and Rescue.
 
Why did you choose to announce the launch of IDEX 2015 at Eurosatory? 
IDEX enjoys a long association with its counterparts at Eurosatory and both recognize the stature of the event and the number of top industry decision makers in attendance. This was the motivation behind making the announcement in Paris and the first public release of information surrounding UMEX will certainly have a sizable impact on the industry. 
 
The IDEX exhibition area will cover over 133,000 sqm running through the 12 exhibition halls, the concourse and the atrium. Is it the largest IDEX thus far in terms of area?
Yes, IDEX and NAVDEX have gone from just over 300 companies in 1993, to 80,000 visitors with 1,112 exhibitors in 2013. IDEX 2015 will be one of the largest and most well attended joint defense industry event in the world. It is also the longest running defense show in the region; 2015 will be the 12th edition of IDEX.
 
NAVDEX also features on-water exhibits, daily demonstrations and visiting navy vessels. Which countries are sending navy vessels in 2015?
In its 2nd edition, NAVDEX continues to attract a high profile audience of decision makers from the Middle East, North Africa and Asian Subcontinent regions focused on the procurement of naval and coastal defense products, services and solutions. In 2015, NAVDEX will bring together bigger, better and higher class ships than ever before.
 
To what extent have Live demonstrations helped in concluding business deals?
Live demonstrations are an IDEX mainstay and provide companies with a stage to showcase their latest technology for business investors. During IDEX and NAVDEX 2013, the UAE Armed Forces signed 55 defense contracts worth over $3.8 billion, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to upholding an advanced defense infrastructure. 
 
The “Gulf Defense Conference” has now been renamed as the IDEX and NAVDEX Defense Summit. What is the significance of the new name and what is the prime focus at the summit?
It better represents what the exhibition is truly about. Attendees and exhibitors know and trust the IDEX and NAVDEX names. The event, year in and year out, provides unparalleled access to the innovative and cutting edge technology that is defining the modern defense industry. IDEX and NAVDEX are truly international shows that attract thousands of suppliers and contractors from around the world. The name now more aptly fits what people come to expect from our exhibition.
 
How many countries and companies are expected to attend the IDEX 2015?
We expect over 1300 exhibitors from over 50 countries, featuring over 35 country pavilions. Over ninety-five per cent of available exhibition space for IDEX 2015 is already reserved by exhibitors.
 

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