The Middle East’s largest defence fair, showcasing the latest in military technology from drones to armoured vehicles, has opened in Abu Dhabi.
The International Defence Exhibition (Idex) is a biennial display of the most advanced hardware on the planet, where deals worth billions of dirhams are usually sealed.
It is also the first major in-person exhibition held in the capital since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out.
Idex will mark the starting point for the resumption of business tourism activities
Idex is set to feature up to 1,000 defence companies across 35,000 square metres of exhibition space, running through the 12 exhibition halls.
The event will also feature live military drills and aerial displays from Al Fursan – the UAE's aerobatics team.
Its sister event, the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (Navdex), includes daily demonstrations and the chance to view scores of visiting naval vessels.
Major announcements about new products are expected, and all eyes will be on Emirati defence conglomerate Edge.
Edge, which consists of 25 companies, is expected to unveil a series of products – spanning unnamed vehicles, precision-guided munitions and naval vessels.
The value of deals the UAE is expected to sign is likely to be similar to those achieved in 2019, organisers have said. UAE armed forces awarded Dh20.5 billion ($5.58bn) worth of contracts then.
Gulf countries are increasingly producing military equipment at home to boost self-sufficiency and diversify their economies from oil.
Idex was first held in 1993, and Israel was to be among five new countries participating this year. However, Covid-19 travel curbs imposed by Tel Aviv forced a postponement.
Strict measures are in place to protect public health. International attendees do not have to follow the mandatory 10-day quarantine in place in Abu Dhabi but all those coming from abroad are required to undertake regular PCR tests.
“This edition marks the commencement of the recovery phase from the Covid-19 pandemic, in spite of the ongoing global conditions,” said Maj Gen Staff Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, chairman of the organising committee.
“It will demonstrate how Abu Dhabi and the UAE are ready and able to organise, deliver and host leading international events.
“Idex [and] Navdex … will mark the starting point for the resumption of business tourism activities.”
Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to visit the stands over the next five days, with more than 100 international delegations slated to attend.
At least 80 per cent of companies will be international, with about 15 per cent UAE-based.
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Sheffield United v Arsenal
Newcastle v Manchester City
Norwich v Derby/Manchester United
Leicester City v Chelsea
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Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
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Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
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• 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
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
