With steady strides, the UAE continues to solidify its position as a global leader in industrial and technological innovation, particularly in the sectors of defence and security. The Tawazun Council stands as one of the strategic pillars driving this vision forward, empowering national industries and enhancing their position within the global framework.
These efforts are complemented by a comprehensive system that includes leading national companies, advanced infrastructure, and supportive legislation aligned with global transformations. This integrated system fosters synergy between national security objectives and sustainable development, positioning the UAE as an attractive destination for advanced defence and technology industries.
This year's International Defence Exhibition (Idex) and Naval Defence Exhibition (Navdex) from February 17-21 represent an embodiment of the UAE’s ambitious vision, uniting national aspirations with global industrial capabilities on a single platform. These exhibitions serve as an ideal launchpad for enhancing collaboration and strategic partnerships among major defence companies, thought leaders and decision-makers from around the world, providing an opportunity to show the latest technological innovations and discuss innovative solutions to contemporary security and defence challenges.
Since their inception in 1993, Idex and Navdex have grown into a global success story that reflects the UAE’s ambitions. In the previous 2023 edition, the exhibitions attracted over 1,350 exhibiting companies from 65 countries, with 132,507 visitors, and recorded signed deals exceeding Dh23.34 billion. Building on this success, the 2025 edition is set to further establish the UAE as a global hub for defence innovation and industrial collaboration, reinforcing the synergy between national security and economic development.
National security is no longer confined to building traditional military strength
In an era characterised by accelerating technological advancements and escalating security challenges, national security is no longer confined to building traditional military strength. It increasingly relies on integrating advanced technologies and fostering innovation as a key driver of defence readiness. Guided by this vision, the Tawazun Council works to design and implement strategic policies to fully support national defence industries by empowering local talent and building international partnerships that ensure the transfer of knowledge and technology to the UAE.
The synergy among various state institutions and ministries, such as the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, has significantly contributed to developing a world-class digital infrastructure. This infrastructure places the UAE at the forefront of the region and elevates its global standing. Such cross-sectoral collaboration has enabled the nation to adopt cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and the Internet of Things, providing a robust foundation for national defence industries and enhancing their technological readiness.
Strategic partnerships are the cornerstone of success for any industrial sector, particularly defence, which requires the integration of local expertise with advanced global technologies. The Tawazun Council is dedicated to strengthening its relationships with national and international companies, leveraging the latest technological advancements and global expertise to develop national defence manufacturing capabilities.
As Idex and Navdex 2025 approach, the Tawazun Council reaffirms its unwavering support for the UAE’s vision. We extend an invitation to all interested stakeholders and specialists to participate in this global platform that embodies the UAE’s ambitions. These events are more than exhibitions; they are a global forum for innovation, collaboration, and addressing defence challenges.
Through this event, the UAE demonstrates its ability to offer an inspiring model that enhances the integration of national security and sustainable development, solidifying its position as a driving force for stability and innovation on the regional and global stage.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
The specs
Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 217hp at 5,750rpm
Torque: 300Nm at 1,900rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh130,000
On sale: now
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Company: Instabug
Founded: 2013
Based: Egypt, Cairo
Sector: IT
Employees: 100
Stage: Series A
Investors: Flat6Labs, Accel, Y Combinator and angel investors
'Nightmare Alley'
Director:Guillermo del Toro
Stars:Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara
Rating: 3/5
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Best Foreign Language Film nominees
Capernaum (Lebanon)
Cold War (Poland)
Never Look Away (Germany)
Roma (Mexico)
Shoplifters (Japan)
Results
Women finals: 48kg - Urantsetseg Munkhbat (MGL) bt Distria Krasniqi (KOS); 52kg - Odette Guiffrida (ITA) bt Majlinda Kelmendi (KOS); 57kg - Nora Gjakova (KOS) bt Anastasiia Konkina (Rus)
Men’s finals: 60kg - Amiran Papinashvili (GEO) bt Francisco Garrigos (ESP); 66kg - Vazha Margvelashvili (Geo) bt Yerlan Serikzhanov (KAZ)
Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
Dr Amal Khalid Alias revealed a recent case of a woman with daughters, who specifically wanted a boy.
A semen analysis of the father showed abnormal sperm so the couple required IVF.
Out of 21 eggs collected, six were unused leaving 15 suitable for IVF.
A specific procedure was used, called intracytoplasmic sperm injection where a single sperm cell is inserted into the egg.
On day three of the process, 14 embryos were biopsied for gender selection.
The next day, a pre-implantation genetic report revealed four normal male embryos, three female and seven abnormal samples.
Day five of the treatment saw two male embryos transferred to the patient.
The woman recorded a positive pregnancy test two weeks later.