ID :
15534
Mon, 08/11/2008 - 14:49
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/15534
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Over 900 arms producers to attend IDEX in February
Abu Dhabi, Aug 11, 2008 (WAM) - Abu Dhabi has started the countdown for what could be the biggest defence show to be held in the Middle East when more than 900 global arms producers showcase their latest products at IDEX in February, the Exhibition's director said yesterday.
All the companies from nearly 30 countries have confirmed their participation in the International
Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2009) but organisers believe the current number of
confirmed participants could still increase in the next few months.
The February 22-26 show is the ninth defence exhibition to be hosted by the
capital since 1993, when the first IDEX event attracted nearly 350 defence
production companies. "More than 900 exhibitors from over 50 countries and
30 national pavilions are set to occupy all 12 halls of the Abu Dhabi
National Exhibition Centre's 55,000-square metre venue at the February show.
Key participants include the United States, Britain, Italy, France, Russia,
Turkey and other main defence producers," Mohammed Omair Al Mashgouni, IDEX
2009 Director, told Emirates Business in an interview. "We are now talking
about 900 companies but the number could increase in the next few months as
more firms could confirm their participation. This show is the largest in
the region and has become one of the biggest defence exhibitions in the
world."
"Such events actually support the image of the UAE as a platform for new
technologies. The thousands of delegates who come to these events also have
the chance to see the UAE and this will also promote the country as a good
and rich tourist. IDEX attracts more than 40,000 visitors who also take time
out and go sight-seeing in the UAE. IDEX serves the organisers ADNEC, Abu
Dhabi and the whole UAE."
"IDEX will also incorporate the Gulf Defence Conference, which is regarded
in international academic and military circles as a top forum on defence
strategies and technologies. It will also include live demonstrations on
land, air and sea." Mashgouni said he could not specify the products to be
exhibited at IDEX but expected advanced weapons to be shown at the event.
"At this point in time, we do not have specific information on what our
exhibitors are going to be displaying or what products will be launched
during IDEX," he said.
"But given our past experience, we expect many companies to use IDEX 2009 as
the launch pad for a range of sophisticated weapons. Also, with the event's
defined focus on technology, we expect the latest technologies to be
unveiled at the show." He said IDEX 2009 would be much larger than the
previous editions and would be the first time it is held at the fully
completed exhibition centre.
"The Marina facilities have also been enhanced and we expect a broader range
of naval craft will be able to participate in the displays. The delegation
programme has also been enhanced to ensure that exhibitors and visitors can
gain more from their presence at the show.
High profile defence and security personnel, including Heads-of-State and
Ministers will be invited to IDEX 2009. We have invited over 66 delegations
from the Middle East and around the world to take part at this key defence
industry event.
"IDEX has clearly become one of the largest shows in the world. It has grown
steadily and occupies a premier position among defence shows. It has
established credentials and is highly regarded by professionals in the
defence industry." Mashgouni said it was up to the participating companies
and visiting delegations to finalise any weapons deals at the next event but
he noted that the UAE had used previous IDEX events to unveil major defence
packages. He referred to such $multi-billion deals that involved the
purchase of 436 French-built Leclerc battle tanks and nearly 80 F-16
jetfighters from the United States.
"IDEX is seen worldwide as one of the most important marketing opportunities
for the world's defence industry. Contracts worth more than US$545 million
(Dh2 billion) were closed during the previous edition of IDEX, including
US$380 million (Dh1.4 billion) worth of deals signed by the UAE Armed
Forces," he said.
"The entire MICE segment of the industry derives substantial benefits from
major shows such as IDEX. All variety of service providers including hotels,
restaurants benefit greatly from this show. All in all, the event plays a
significant role in building the image of Abu Dhabi in particular and the
UAE in general."
All the companies from nearly 30 countries have confirmed their participation in the International
Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2009) but organisers believe the current number of
confirmed participants could still increase in the next few months.
The February 22-26 show is the ninth defence exhibition to be hosted by the
capital since 1993, when the first IDEX event attracted nearly 350 defence
production companies. "More than 900 exhibitors from over 50 countries and
30 national pavilions are set to occupy all 12 halls of the Abu Dhabi
National Exhibition Centre's 55,000-square metre venue at the February show.
Key participants include the United States, Britain, Italy, France, Russia,
Turkey and other main defence producers," Mohammed Omair Al Mashgouni, IDEX
2009 Director, told Emirates Business in an interview. "We are now talking
about 900 companies but the number could increase in the next few months as
more firms could confirm their participation. This show is the largest in
the region and has become one of the biggest defence exhibitions in the
world."
"Such events actually support the image of the UAE as a platform for new
technologies. The thousands of delegates who come to these events also have
the chance to see the UAE and this will also promote the country as a good
and rich tourist. IDEX attracts more than 40,000 visitors who also take time
out and go sight-seeing in the UAE. IDEX serves the organisers ADNEC, Abu
Dhabi and the whole UAE."
"IDEX will also incorporate the Gulf Defence Conference, which is regarded
in international academic and military circles as a top forum on defence
strategies and technologies. It will also include live demonstrations on
land, air and sea." Mashgouni said he could not specify the products to be
exhibited at IDEX but expected advanced weapons to be shown at the event.
"At this point in time, we do not have specific information on what our
exhibitors are going to be displaying or what products will be launched
during IDEX," he said.
"But given our past experience, we expect many companies to use IDEX 2009 as
the launch pad for a range of sophisticated weapons. Also, with the event's
defined focus on technology, we expect the latest technologies to be
unveiled at the show." He said IDEX 2009 would be much larger than the
previous editions and would be the first time it is held at the fully
completed exhibition centre.
"The Marina facilities have also been enhanced and we expect a broader range
of naval craft will be able to participate in the displays. The delegation
programme has also been enhanced to ensure that exhibitors and visitors can
gain more from their presence at the show.
High profile defence and security personnel, including Heads-of-State and
Ministers will be invited to IDEX 2009. We have invited over 66 delegations
from the Middle East and around the world to take part at this key defence
industry event.
"IDEX has clearly become one of the largest shows in the world. It has grown
steadily and occupies a premier position among defence shows. It has
established credentials and is highly regarded by professionals in the
defence industry." Mashgouni said it was up to the participating companies
and visiting delegations to finalise any weapons deals at the next event but
he noted that the UAE had used previous IDEX events to unveil major defence
packages. He referred to such $multi-billion deals that involved the
purchase of 436 French-built Leclerc battle tanks and nearly 80 F-16
jetfighters from the United States.
"IDEX is seen worldwide as one of the most important marketing opportunities
for the world's defence industry. Contracts worth more than US$545 million
(Dh2 billion) were closed during the previous edition of IDEX, including
US$380 million (Dh1.4 billion) worth of deals signed by the UAE Armed
Forces," he said.
"The entire MICE segment of the industry derives substantial benefits from
major shows such as IDEX. All variety of service providers including hotels,
restaurants benefit greatly from this show. All in all, the event plays a
significant role in building the image of Abu Dhabi in particular and the
UAE in general."
