The United Arab Emirates (UAE), long a major contributor to defense technology in support of peace and security throughout the world, has become a global hub where multinational corporations specializing in defense industries gather to showcase products to address security challenges.
In February 2025, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in the UAE hosted the 2025 International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX), alongside the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX). IDEX/NAVDEX drew 1,556 exhibitors from 65 countries, which is 16% more than the previous iteration.
Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of IDEX/NAVDEX, Maj. Gen. Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, said that this year’s participation in the exhibitions highlights the UAE’s significant advancements in its national defense industry. He added that talents, expertise and dedication Emirati exhibitioners demonstrated in previous exhibitions contributed to the record-breaking participation in this year’s iteration.
A 9,000-square-meter pavilion showcased products and services. The Emirati Advanced Technology and Defense Group (EDGE), a leading conglomerate in the field of defense technology, displayed more than 200 advanced solutions and services centered around autonomous systems, smart weapons and cyber and electronic warfare.
EDGE signed 16 contracts and 32 strategic international agreements at 2025 IDEX, the firm reported.
The UAE has hosted the IDEX — the largest defense exhibition and conference in the Middle East — alongside NAVDEX every other year since 1993. The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Co. organizes the events.
These events spotlight the UAE’s evolution into a modern, vibrant nation with a growing economy, characterized by towering skyscrapers, luxurious infrastructure, and a focus on international trade and tourism.
The UAE has not only succeeded in establishing a solid economy but also has become in the last two decades an international player in the defense industry, revolutionizing defense technology and finding solutions to all types of security challenges. Sources: breakingdefense.com, CNBC, tribuneindia.com, idexuae.ae/, mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/