The undisputed success of the Idex 2021 arms fair in Abu Dhabi should help to silence campaigners who maintain a constant barrage of criticism against the international arms trade.
Groups such as the UK-based Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) are constantly criticising governments for hosting arms fairs around the world, while at the same time mounting a continuous campaign to halt arms sales.
For example, during protests organised by CAAT against the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) arms fair outside the Excel centre in east London in 2019, more than 100 demonstrators were arrested as they sought to prevent the largest event of its kind in Europe from being held.
The fundamental problem with many anti-arms campaigners is that they completely misunderstand the underlying principle that governs most arms sale
But their protests were in vain, and the conference, which attracted an estimated 35,000 delegates and exhibitors, was deemed to be a great success.
For, as this month’s equally high profile event in Abu Dhabi has demonstrated, arms fairs are about a great deal more than securing contracts for new arms purchases.
They provide a unique networking opportunity, where representatives from friendly nations can come together and discuss issues of mutual interest, thereby helping to improve global security, rather than undermining it as some CAAT campaigners often claim is the case.
For the fundamental problem with many anti-arms campaigners is that they completely misunderstand the underlying principle that governs most arms sales, which is to help countries to better protect their interests and defend themselves against potential aggressors.
Certainly, the great advantage of an event like Idex 2021, which has developed into the region’s biggest-spending defence conference, is that it enables delegates and officials to acquaint themselves with the very latest developments in defence technology.
Thus, at this month’s event a wide variety of the latest defence equipment was on show, including unmanned and autonomous weapons that can be operated from boats to sophisticated surveillance systems.
There were also more conventional items of weaponry on display, such as the latest incarnation of the iconic Russian-made Kalashnikov assault rifle, the AK-19, which was making its global debut at Idex, with crowds of people gathering around the stand to view a weapon that looks uncannily similar to the original AK-47 first produced in the 1940s.
Apart from highlighting the rapidly changing nature of defence technology, Idex also reflected profound changes that are taking place in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
Idex also reflected profound changes that are taking place in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East
The fact, for example, that Israeli companies were represented for the first time at the event illustrated that, at a time of heightened tensions in the region, it was still possible to replace decades of hostility with peaceful collaboration.
Certainly, with Iran continuing to make threatening noises about its nuclear ambitions, there is a pressing need for countries throughout the globe to work more closely together to safeguard their mutual security interests.
It is for this reason that events like Idex, which provide the environment in which important new relationships can be forged, deserve to be recognised for the positive contribution they make to enhancing global security, instead of being subjected to the ill-founded criticism of the anti-arms campaign lobby.
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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Deportivo La Coruna 2 Barcelona 4
Deportivo: Perez (39'), Colak (63')
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The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
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F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
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Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
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Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Tbilisi from Dh1,025 return including taxes
MATCH INFO
Fixture: Ukraine v Portugal, Monday, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: BeIN Sports
Ireland v Denmark: The last two years
Denmark 1-1 Ireland
7/06/19, Euro 2020 qualifier
Denmark 0-0 Ireland
19/11/2018, Nations League
Ireland 0-0 Denmark
13/10/2018, Nations League
Ireland 1 Denmark 5
14/11/2017, World Cup qualifier
Denmark 0-0 Ireland
11/11/2017, World Cup qualifier
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
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In Full Flight: A Story of Africa and Atonement
John Heminway, Knopff
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
