Arab Nations Prepare For Front Line at IDEX and NAVDEX 2011

Strong exhibitor presence from the region shows Arab world’s advancing capabilities in defence supply

Abu Dhabi, 31 January 2011: With more than 200 companies from Arab Nations confirmed to exhibit at this year’s International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX), the evolving nature of the region’s defence industry which is moving from buyer to supplier, is being highlighted.

Representing Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, some of the companies exhibiting at this year’s show include:

·         In Aerospace: Griffon Aerospace, TLD Group, NP Aerospace and Hawker Pacific, offering aerospace vehicle manufacture, ground support, personal protection and aviation sales.

·         In Land Defence: Jordan Light Vehicle Manufacturing exhibiting its range of light combat and transport vehicles. Headline sponsors of IDEX, Tawazun Holding, a government-owned company designed to diversify the national economy into a wide range of industrial and commercial ventures, and its related subsidiaries such as Caracal International, and Tawazun Advanced Defence Systems.

·         In Naval Defence: Abu Dhabi Ship Building a world-class ship builder, specialising in the construction, repair, refit, and upgrade of naval, military and commercial vessels, Abu Dhabi Mar specialising in the building and refitting of yachts, Stellar Composites specialising in consumer and defence vessels, and Ocean Power International, suppliers of Thordon Bearings.

Commenting on the regional presence at this year’s show, Mohamed Al Mashgouni, IDEX 2011 Show Director, said: “We are seeing an emerging role for Arab nations in the defence sector; while this region is still investing heavily on importing technologies, the manufacturing and supply capabilities in the region, have also ramped up in the last few years. In line with this, nearly 10 percent of our exhibitors at this edition are from the region - providing a strong backdrop for this year’s show. Exhibitors from the Arab world, will therefore definitely, be among the ones to watch this year”.

IDEX is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, from 20^th – 24^th February 2011. It is organised by ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company) in association with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ.

Although supply capabilities have increased, demand for products by Arab Nations from domestic and international suppliers, is still predicted to be one of the highest globally. According to recent research by Frost & Sullivan, the GCC and Jordan defence budget is expected to hit US$68Bn (Dh249 billion) in 2011, growing to around $80 billion by 2015. Overall defence spending in the Middle East is also expected to cross US$100Bn by 2015.

Strong economic growth, continuing regional security concerns and the desire to develop indigenous capabilities through the use of offset programmes are driving the demand and strong growth projections for the region in the run up to IDEX and NAVDEX 2011.

About IDEX 2011:

First held in 1993, IDEX (International Defence Exhibition & Conference) is the largest tri-service defence exhibition in the Middle East and North Africa region. IDEX takes place biennially under the patronage of HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and is organised by ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company) in association with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ. Defence deals worth a combined 18.5 billion dirhams in contract value were announced by the UAE Armed Forces at the last IDEX in 2009.

IDEX 2011 marks the show’s 10^th anniversary and will take place 20^th – 24^th February 2011 encompassing indoor, outdoor and marine exhibit areas at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. New for 2011 will be the launch of NAVDEX the Middle East’s premier exhibition dedicated to the naval defence and coastal security sector, which will run in parallel with IDEX 2011.

For more information go to: www.idexuae.ae

About NAVDEX 2011

Launching from 20^th – 24^th February 2011, the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX) is set to be the Middle East’s premier exhibition dedicated to the naval defence, coastal and maritime security sector.

Run in parallel with IDEX 2011 (International Defence Exhibition & Conference) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; NAVDEX is expected to attract a high-profile audience of influential decision makers dedicated to the procurement of naval and coastal defence products, services and solutions from the UAE, Middle East, Africa and Asian Subcontinent.

NAVDEX 2011 will take place at the ADNEC marina where exhibitors will display the latest technology on stands within a purpose-built air-conditioned exhibition structure; showcase vessels and crafts on the marina; demonstrate technology aboard visiting naval vessels; and highlight equipment capabilities in live on-water displays – all within direct walking access of IDEX.

NAVDEX 2011 is being organised by Clarion Events on behalf of ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company) in association with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ.

For more information please visit www.navdex.ae