Hamdan bin Zayed opens NAVDEX

Abu Dhabi, Feb 18, 2013 (WAM) - H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, opened yesterday the second Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX), the leading event of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region. Organised by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company in association with the UAE Armed Forces on the dock edge at the ADNEC Marina, NAVDEX is the naval and maritime security section of the tri-service exhibition IDEX. Flanked by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Major General Isa Saif Al Mazrouie, Deputy Chief of Staff and Rear Admiral Ibrahim al Musharrakh, Commander of UAE Naval Forces, Sheikh Hamdan toured the exhibition which features local and international exhibitors who specialise in naval, maritime and coastal security technology, equipment and crafts. NAVIDEX has nearly doubled in size since the previous edition, attracting 80 companies representing 15 nations. Sheikh Hamdan was briefed during his tour on latest maritime technology including: maritime defence and security workboats, command and control systems, navigation and communication systems, and weapons and combat systems. The expanded quay wall will allow capacity to host nine visiting vessels from five nations, as opposed to the three on display in 2011. America, Italy, France, the UK and Pakistan are bringing a range of mine hunters, missile corvettes and multi supply ships to help showcase technologies from the respective nations. The visiting vessels will be joined by a collection UAE ships on rotation throughout the exhibition. - Emirates News Agency, WAM