Distinctive launch for the International Defense Conference 2025 in Abu Dhabi

The International Defense Conference 2025, which accompanies the IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions, kicked off with the participation of leaders, experts, and defense and security companies from around the world to discuss the most prominent challenges and opportunities in this strategic sector.

His Excellency Mohammed bin Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defense Affairs, delivered a speech in which he stressed the development of the IDEX exhibition since 1993 to become one of the most prominent defense exhibitions in the world, and a platform that brings together countries, industry experts, and military leaders for dialogue, displaying the latest technologies, and strengthening partnerships for a safer world.

He added during his keynote speech at the opening of the International Defense Conference yesterday, at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, that based on this legacy, it is necessary to realize that security in the modern era goes beyond traditional defense, to include the flexibility of supply chains, the integrity of information, and the strategic use of space capabilities.

His Excellency added that in a world where global disruptions can disrupt supply chains in an instant, security is no longer limited to protection alone, but has become linked to readiness and adaptability. The ability to anticipate risks, diversify logistics networks, and integrate advanced technologies are the factors that will ensure the resilience of countries and industries in the face of challenges, noting that this conference does not only discuss these challenges, but also works to explore new paths to build safe and sustainable supply chains that serve the defense sector and enhance global stability.

The first session of the International Defense Conference 2025 reviewed the importance of the unprecedented challenges posed by global disruptions, including geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, cyber attacks, and epidemics.

The session - titled "Global Disruptions and Defense Preparedness to Mitigate Threats to Essential Supply Chains" - focused on ways to enhance the resilience of supply chains essential to defense and national security through cooperation between governments and various sectors, and highlighted the technological innovations provided by emerging companies and their role in enhancing the strength of supply chains.

The session discussed the importance of the conference in enhancing international cooperation and innovating defense solutions that keep pace with global challenges, and reviewed the unprecedented challenges imposed by global turmoil, including geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, cyber attacks, and epidemics.

The conference will discuss, through three sessions, global turmoil and defense preparations, attempts to mitigate threats to essential supply chains, misinformation and influence operations, and methods of using information as a weapon in contemporary conflicts, in addition to a session on the world of space and the threats and opportunities arising from it.

The conference, which was held at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi today, is attended by 12 speakers, including leaders, ministers, and senior officials in the defense sector from different countries around the world.

The International Defense Conference is witnessing high-level international participation, as it attracts a group of prominent international figures in the fields of defense, economy, and technology, as well as senior military leaders from different countries. At the end of the conference, a session will be held dedicated to presenting strategic recommendations that outline the framework for future defense programs.