30 Dec 20. International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2021) and the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX 2021), held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, from 21 – 25 February 2021 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, have signed a strategic agreement with the Tawazun Economic Council (Tawazun). A key enabler of the UAE’s defence industry, with a focus on economic development, Tawazun will be principal partner of the exhibitions, in line with IDEX’s strategy of fostering cooperation with national companies specialised in vital sectors.
Both IDEX and NAVDEX 2021 are organised by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence and the General Command of the UAE Armed Forces. The events showcase the latest developments in the defence sector. Both will highlight the latest in military technology, helping develop the national defence sector. Additionally, the exhibitions forge new relationships between entities attending the event, and major international companies specialised in these sectors.
The exhibitions anticipate to draw a wide range of decision makers, sector experts, and industry specialists working in defence. Representatives will discuss how technological adoption can meet shifting global challenges, as well as discussing strategic development that contributes toward world peace.
The partnership between both exhibitions and Tawazun is cited as a model for strategic co-operation in supporting the national defence sector. In so doing, the partnership continues to develop and modernise both national military and civilian projects, in line with the UAE’s sustainable development goals and strategies.
Commenting on the partnership, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC, said: “We are proud of the renewal of our strategic partnership with the Tawazun Economic Council (Tawazun), which has contributed, through its many previous editions, to enhancing the competitiveness of the IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions regionally and internationally. This agreement also shows the depth of cooperation between the UAE’s various national institutions in promoting these vital events and holding them in a manner that befits the reputation and position of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as the regional capital of specialised exhibitions and conferences.”
Al Dhaheri added: “The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) has been working to further the participation of all national institutions in the various events that it organises. These efforts have strengthened ADNEC’s presence across various economic sectors through the development of strategic partnerships with prominent international companies. In addition, through these partnerships ADNEC has supported the opening of new markets for national products, enhancing the direct and indirect economic contribution of these companies to the local economy and transferring and localising knowledge in the country.”
Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Chief Economic Development Officer, Economic Development Unit, at Tawazun, commented: “In signing this agreement, we are following the strategic efforts of the Tawazun Economic Council. We look to support and enable the defence industries in the UAE, looking to maintain pace with rapid technological development across the sector.
“IDEX and NAVDEX 2021 offer an ideal opportunity to showcase the most cutting-edge advancements in defence. This year, the exhibitions continue to demonstrate how they continue to be globally important platforms, enabling stronger relations between corporate and government entities, both locally and internationally.
Al Romaithi said: “Tawazun Economic Council looks to strengthen our partnership with both IDEX and NAVDEX as the exhibitions’ principal partner. The exhibitions’ success is among our forefront priorities, and we are assured of their success and distinction, in line with the UAE’s distinguished position in this vital and strategic sector.”
Tawazun Economic Council (Tawazun) was established in 1992 as a major tributary of the national economy. Since it foundation, it has established and empowered over 100 companies and investment entities across eleven vital sectors in the UAE. The Council contributes to the sustainable development of the defence and security industries through boosting economic value, enabling technological innovation, fostering a supporting business environment, and developing fresh capabilities. Tawazun aims to strengthen the UAE’s industrial position and contribute to the enhancement of the nation’s knowledge based economy.