UAE: $1.08 billion investment on the first day of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025

Prepared / Management of Alkhaleej Daily News website

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, inaugurated today (Monday) the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defense Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center.

The qualitative exhibition includes 41 national pavilions, representing 213 national companies, constituting 16% of the total exhibitors, and 84% of international companies.

The 17th IDEX and 8th NAVDEX exhibitions bring together leading international companies and experts in the defense industry to showcase the latest technologies and solutions in the sector, with the aim of enhancing international security and peace.

The 2025 edition of IDEX and NAVDEX, organised by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Tawazun Economic Council and running until February 21, has seen an increase in the number of participating companies, reaching 1,565 companies from 65 countries, reflecting a growth of 16 per cent compared to the previous edition. The total exhibition area has expanded by 10 per cent to 181,501 square metres, while 731 new companies are participating, representing an increase of 82 per cent.

This year’s exhibitions also welcome seven new countries, namely Qatar, Ethiopia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Cyprus. A new exhibition hall, Hall 14, has been added opposite the main stage, featuring 341 exhibiting companies.

In addition, a dedicated platform for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives weapons has been introduced, with the participation of 38 companies from 13 countries, with the aim of raising awareness of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives threats.

In addition, more than 3,300 products and technologies will be showcased, demonstrating the important role that IDEX and NAVDEX play in supporting the defence industry and enhancing the competitiveness of Emirati companies at the regional and international levels. The two exhibitions will host more than 156 emerging companies, representing 10% of the total exhibitors.

The opening day of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 witnessed the announcement of 13 deals worth AED 3.97 billion signed with local and international companies.

The exhibition was visited by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Humanitarian Foundation and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council; and a number of Their Highnesses, Excellencies, Ministers, members of the General Command of the Armed Forces and a number of officials in the United Arab Emirates.

The contracts were signed by Tawazun Council, the government entity responsible for acquisition, procurement and contract management for the Ministry of Defence and security agencies.

The announcement was made during a press conference held by Tawazun Council spokespersons Majid Ahmed Al Jabri, Mohammed Saif Al Zaabi and Mahra Bilal Al Dhaheri.

Maha Bilal Al Dhaheri announced that the total value of local contracts on the first day of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 amounted to nine deals worth AED 3.825 billion, including an agreement with International Golden Group to purchase ammunition worth AED 685.8 million, a contract with Thales Emirates Technology to purchase spare parts, materials, maintenance and technical support worth AED 110.5 million, and a contract with EDGE Group for the Data and Smart Services Programme worth AED 399.4 million.

The contracts also included an agreement with Calidus Land Systems to purchase a multi-role vehicle (MTAV 4X4) worth AED 1.809 billion, a contract with Al Masaood to purchase spare parts, materials, and provide maintenance and technical support services worth AED 20 million, and a contract with the National Marine Dredging Company to purchase unmanned platforms worth AED 299.2 million.

A contract was also signed with Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL) to provide technical support, maintenance, repair and spare parts services worth AED 53 million, and another agreement with Golden Group International and MP3 to purchase pilot missions, aircraft rescue equipment and spare parts worth AED 309 million. Injazat Data Systems was also awarded a contract to provide digital transformation services worth AED 138.7 million.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Saif Al Zaabi announced that the total value of international contracts on the first day of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 amounted to 4 deals worth AED 143.4 million, including a contract with Finnish Patria Land Systems to provide technical support, repair services and supply of spare parts for Patria vehicles worth AED 21 million, in addition to a deal with German Rheinmetall Electronics to provide technical support for maintenance, repair, supply of spare parts, logistics services and sustainment of the tactical engagement system worth AED 71.8 million.

A contract was also signed with Swiss Rheinmetall Air Defence to repair, maintain and supply spare parts for air defence systems worth AED 18.6 million, and a final agreement was signed with US-based Maxar Intelligence to provide satellite imagery rental services worth AED 31.9 million.

His Excellency Majid Ahmed Al Jabri stressed the importance of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 in showcasing the latest technologies and innovations in the defence and aerospace sectors. He said that IDEX and NAVDEX are an ideal platform for leading companies in these industries to exchange expertise and innovations, adding that the event supports the UAE’s strategic objectives of enhancing defence and technological capabilities to support national security and stability and enhance the country’s position as a global hub for defence and space industries.