Record International Participation at NAVDEX 2019

The next edition of NAVDEX 2019, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, will witness a record number of international and local participant companies specialised in the maritime defence industry.

Held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) concurrently with the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) from 17-21 February, the number of participating military units for NAVDEX is expected to increase by 66 per cent to 20 units from 15 countries. Displays will range from frigates, supply vessels and transport vessels to naval minehunters and naval patrol boats.

The 2019 edition will also see the participation of four countries for the first time including  China, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and South Korea.

A transportation shuttle will link events held in the free port area, where large ships will dock, and the exhibition site and marine channel. This edition will also open the ships for visitors wanting to  climb aboard the ships to learn about their capabilities.

NAVDEX, the most important maritime defence exhibition in the Middle East, is expected to showcase the most advanced maritime defence systems in addition to displaying marine defence units and equipment. More than 100 companies will be on site to present their most sophisticated products to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the exhibition for deals and partnerships between international companies.

His Excellency Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of Higher Organising Committee of IDEX and NAVDEX 2019, said: “The significance of NAVDEX as an international exhibition specialised in maritime defense is steadily increasing. The maritime defence sector is witnessing rapid development in terms of modern innovations and advanced technologies that compels   professionals and personnel in this strategic sector to stay informed of the latest developments and technologies in maritime systems and equipment.  NAVDEX offers that opportunity”.

His Excellency added: “We look forward to this larger version of NAVDEX with wider international and local participation that reflect the extent of developments by the UAE defence industries,  now one of the leaders of this field in the region thanks to the support and directions of the UAE wise leadership”.

For his part, Hamid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), said: “As part of ADNEC’s strategy to promote the status and future of all exhibitions and the conferences organised and held by the company at its various centres, ADNEC has worked on placing appropriate emphasis on the development of NAVDEX by expanding and developing the infrastructure of Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre marine channel to increase the space allocated for presentations by 20 per cent to reach approximately 40,000 square metres. This allows us to provide an ideal platform for participating companies to display their products and meet their needs, both in the exhibition halls and through ADNEC marine channel.

Al Dhaheri added: “The unprecedented interest shown by specialised global defense firms to participate in the upcoming editions of NAVDEX is the outcome of our comprehensive strategy which involved intensive marketing efforts to promote the exhibition at major international events. This has helped us attract several international companies that will mark their debut participation or expand presence in the forthcoming edition.”

Al Dhaheri also noted that NAVDEX is a real platform to showcase the latest products in the maritime defense sector due to its great global interest and the participation of various delegations and dignitaries, such as leaders of armies, decision-makers and those interested in maritime affairs in most countries of the world.  This is reflected positively by the participation of our exhibitors, and adds value to this vital sector.

NAVDEX 2019 is sponsored by a group of national companies specialised in the defence industry, most notably the Emirates Defense Industries Company (EDIC), the strategic partner of the IDEX and NAVDEX 2019 exhibitions, in addition to the Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company (ADSB), the main partner of NAVDEX 2019.

Held on over 133,000 sqm. of internal and external area, the 2019 edition of NAVDEX  and IDEX are expected to be the largest in their history as IDEX is set to mark its silver jubilee. It is worth noting that the previous edition saw the participation of more than 1,235 participating companies from 57 countries and produced concluding deals valued at more than AED19.7 billion.