Every two years, within Idex’s 35,000 square metres of exhibition space, leading figures in the global defence community witness the ways their sector is changing to match new security threats.
This year’s main takeaway will be the speed with which the industry is hurtling towards a future where AI technologies, cyber capabilities and autonomous systems increasingly complement conventional, human-focused, "boots on the ground" warfare.
The Gulf will be a major region in which these technological advances develop. Saudi Arabia has announced that it will invest $20 billion in its domestic defence sector over the next 10 years. In the GCC region as a whole, spending grew by over five per cent to $100bn last year.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, February 21, 2021. Idex 2021. Social distancing is a must on day 1 of IDEX. Victor Besa / The National Section: NA/Stock Images
Last time Idex was held the UAE signed over $5.5bn worth of contracts
Changing warfare brings changing threats. As modern militaries increasingly digitalise their operations, so do adversaries, often through relatively anonymous and more cost-effective cyber attacks. As computers become more integrated into defence sectors, so do the opportunities for hostile actors to exploit these systems. The "attack surface area", as cyber-defence experts say, increases. Now, even civilian infrastructure, such as water plants and electricity grids, are in malevolent actors’ sights. Attacking these targets can have a much more gruelling impact for a country’s civilians than hitting a trench or airfield. Investment in cyber capability, therefore, means little without matching investment in cyber security.
Recently, some of the sector's leading figures have addressed these issues in The National. Abri du Plessis, the chief executive of NIMR, an armoured vehicle company that is part of the major UAE-based defence manufacturer Edge, wrote that tanks and other military vehicles are "undergoing one of the most significant technological evolutions in their history" to adjust to the increasing use of cyber tactics in warfare.
Beyond new combat trends, conversations at Idex also reveal much about the domestic defence sector’s thinking. Sixteen per cent of companies present at the event are based in the Emirates, and their exposure to international buyers is part of a broader, more gradual effort to build economic relationships and industry sub-clusters. In 2019 – the last time Idex was held – the country signed over $5.5bn worth of contracts. Organisers at this year’s event expect similar revenues. On day one of Idex this year, the UAE Armed Forces signed $1.37bn of military deals.
Idex is an opportunity to be reminded of the economic linkages of a growing defence sector, such as specialist employment opportunities and contributions to an increasingly diversified, knowledge-based economy.
Whether in terms of new military technology or the coronavirus pandemic, the global threat landscape has changed a lot since 2019. It has also risked, on numerous occasions, pushing people and their countries further apart from one another. But this year’s Idex, with its pandemic-safe protocols, serves as a demonstration that no matter how complex that landscape becomes, collaboration is the cornerstone of a good defence strategy.
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.
1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'
You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.
2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'
Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.
3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’
Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Where: All main sessions are held in the InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Price: Sessions range from free entry to Dh125 tickets, with the exception of special events.
Hot Tip: If waiting for your book to be signed looks like it will be timeconsuming, ask the festival’s bookstore if they have pre-signed copies of the book you’re looking for. They should have a bunch from some of the festival’s biggest guest authors.
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE) Where: Allianz Arena, Munich Live: BeIN Sports HD Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
