The International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX), alongside their accompanying conference, are among the most prominent global events in the defence industry and advanced military technology. Held biennially in Abu Dhabi, these events serve as a strategic platform, bringing together decision-makers, defence experts, and major companies to showcase the latest innovations and explore the future of defence and security.
These defence exhibitions hold significant importance, not only as global hubs for military and diplomatic cooperation but also for their vital role in fostering innovation and knowledge exchange. They highlight the UAE’s growing prominence as a leading centre for technological innovation in defence. Furthermore, they offer a unique opportunity to display the latest defence systems and strengthen regional and international cooperation in addressing shared security challenges.
By integrating land, sea, and air solutions in one platform, IDEX and NAVDEX reflect the UAE’s commitment to developing a comprehensive and sustainable defence system.
IDEX and NAVDEX 2025: The Largest Edition Yet
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, ADNEC Group, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Tawazun Council, will organise IDEX and NAVDEX from February 17 to 21, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The International Defence Conference will precede these events on February 16, 2025, at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.
These events exemplify the UAE’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation in defence and security, reinforcing its role as a key supporter of global stability and peace.
Extensive International Participation
The exhibitions and their accompanying conference attract significant international attention, featuring participation from senior leaders, government officials, and major global defence companies. IDEX 2025 and NAVDEX 2025 will serve as a vital global meeting point for top government officials, executives, and experts in defence and security. This presents an exceptional opportunity for networking with investors, building new partnerships, and engaging with industry leaders.
The 2025 edition will see extensive local, regional, and international participation, including leading global companies specialising in defence industries driven by artificial intelligence. This reflects the rapid advancements in this critical sector.
IDEX continues to offer a global platform to highlight the latest defence technologies and foster collaboration between international defence bodies. NAVDEX, the largest maritime defence exhibition in the Middle East and North Africa, remains focused on maritime security, supporting efforts toward a safer future. The event will be held at ADNEC Marina Hall in Abu Dhabi, showcasing the latest technologies, equipment, and vessels related to coastal and maritime security.
A Strategic Platform for Innovation and Technological Solutions
The exhibitions provide a strategic platform for showcasing the latest innovations and technological solutions in the defence and security industries. They serve as a pivotal global stage for enhancing the UAE’s defence capabilities and establishing partnerships with major global companies. These efforts aim to develop the local defence industry and boost its competitiveness internationally.
ADNEC Group and the Ministry of Defence prioritise supporting the defence and security industries as a national imperative to bolster the UAE’s economy and develop strategic partnerships with leading global companies in the sector.
Organisers predict that the 17th edition of IDEX and the 8th edition of NAVDEX will be the largest in their history, contributing to innovation and fostering new business partnerships. They also aim to outline a vision for a safer and more stable future, thanks to the distinguished global presence of defence and security leaders.
In this context, UAE national companies will play a significant role in the exhibitions, underscoring the esteemed reputation of “Made in UAE” products in the global defence industry.
H.E. Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of ADNEC Group stated that these pioneering events exemplify ADNEC’s commitment to enhancing Abu Dhabi’s and the UAE’s status as a global capital for advanced defence and technology industries. He noted that over its 32-year history, IDEX has solidified its position as one of the world’s premier defence events, shaping the future of the defence industry. The exhibitions have attracted approximately 1.3 million participants, including decision-makers and experts, and have seen over AED 175 billion in announced deals. These achievements highlight IDEX’s role as a strategic platform for signing agreements and fostering long-term partnerships. ADNEC Group looks forward to building on these successes in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Tawazun Council, ensuring the upcoming edition reflects the UAE’s esteemed reputation and stature.
Innovative Programs to Boost Defence Cooperation
The 2025 editions of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX) will feature cutting-edge programs, including the “IDEX Next-Gen” platform, spotlighting global startups, and the “IDEX Think-Tank” platform, gathering leading international defence and security experts to discuss key challenges and advancements. These programs are set to enhance collaboration and innovation within the defence sector.
Key events, such as the “IDEX Talks” and “NAVDEX Talks,” will bring together policymakers, thought leaders, and experts to explore the future of defence technologies and innovations shaping the sector, as well as discuss ways to strengthen international cooperation.
The success of the 2023 editions of IDEX and NAVDEX, which welcomed 132,507 participants, 41 international pavilions, and 1,353 exhibitors from 65 countries, underscores the exhibitions’ role in driving defence industry growth. These events saw record-breaking results, with deals totalling AED 23.34 billion, highlighting their significance in fostering global defence collaboration.
International Defence Conference 2025
The International Defence Conference 2025, accompanying IDEX and NAVDEX, will convene global leaders, experts, and companies in defence and security to address pressing challenges and opportunities. Organised by ADNEC in strategic partnership with the UAE Ministry of Defence and collaboration with the Tawazun Council, the conference will be held on February 16 at the Emirates Palace, a day before the exhibitions commence.
This conference will constitute a major platform for international cooperation and establishing long-term partnerships, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to developing international innovation and collaboration in the defence field.
Under the theme “Defence Reimagined: Innovation, Integration and Resilience,” the conference will serve as a global platform for collaboration, offering a space for decision-makers and industry leaders to discuss critical issues and present innovative solutions to future challenges. It will attract a diverse group of high-level officials, policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators, fostering meaningful discussions on the fast-evolving defence and security landscape.
The conference boasts a distinguished track record of success, solidifying its reputation as one of the premier global forums for dialogue in defence and security. Previous editions have played a pivotal role in fostering international collaboration, showcasing the latest innovations, and shaping the future of defence strategies.
A diverse range of participants is set to attend the conference, including high-ranking government officials, defence policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, and representatives from multinational corporations. By facilitating the exchange of ideas and insights, the event is expected to strengthen global cooperation and spark impactful discussions to address the rapidly evolving challenges in defence and security.
Conference Sessions
The keynote address of the conference’s opening session will underscore its significance in bolstering international cooperation and developing defence solutions tailored to global challenges.
Moreover, it will highlight unprecedented issues posed by global disruptions, including geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, cyberattacks, and pandemics.
Furthermore, it will also focus on enhancing the resilience of defence and national security supply chains through intergovernmental and cross-sector collaboration, alongside showcasing the technological innovations brought by startups and their role in fortifying these essential networks.
The first session titled “Global Disruptions and Defence Preparedness: Mitigating Threats to Critical Supply Chains” will delve into the current challenges facing global supply chains, proactive measures to anticipate and manage disruptions, and the defence sector’s role in safeguarding critical supply lines. It will also emphasise the importance of technological innovation and the contributions of startups to national defence and security, strategies for building international collaborative networks to mitigate risks, and lessons learned from recent global supply chain crises.
The second session, titled “Disinformation and Influence Operations: The Weaponisation of Information in Modern Conflicts” will explore disinformation tactics, the role of artificial intelligence in advancing misinformation campaigns, and their impact on societal and political stability. It will examine disinformation methods employed by states and non-state actors, the influence of AI and deepfake technology on misinformation efforts, the ethical implications of using information as a weapon, and the role of social media platforms in spreading disinformation.
Additionally, it will discuss strategies for detecting and countering disinformation, and the importance of collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society in creating a resilient informational environment.
The third session will address “Space: The New Arena for Defense and Security” covering the growing importance of space in defence and modern warfare, the threats and opportunities within this crowded, competitive, and contested domain, and the strategic shifts in the space environment, such as the increased launch of satellites and the use of commercial satellites in actual combat operations. It will stress the need for new technologies in space situational awareness, missile defence, secure satellite communications, and enhancing resilient space assets. The discussion will also highlight the importance of nations establishing dedicated space forces, leadership, strategies, policies, and alliances.
Throughout the conference, key issues related to space and defence will be examined, with a focus on emerging threats to space systems, opportunities to enhance resilience, advancements in new technologies, the crucial role of the private sector, and the necessity of space alliances. The event will attract a high-level international audience, including prominent figures in defence, economics, and technology, such as Dr Yossi Sheffi, Director of the Center for Transportation and Logistics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and senior military leaders from various countries.
The conference will conclude with a dedicated session to present strategic recommendations that will shape the future framework of defence programs.
Virtual Participation
This year’s conference will also offer virtual participation through global digital platforms, ensuring broader engagement from an international audience. This hybrid model will allow industry leaders, policymakers, and media experts who cannot attend in person to be part of the critical discussions from anywhere in the world.
The legacy of the conference, characterised by impactful discussions and high-level participation, reflects the UAE’s steadfast commitment to fostering progress and establishing meaningful partnerships within the global defence community.
By: Ikram Ben dalla, Defence Affairs Specialist
