On February 17, 2025, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, along with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, visited the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2025) and the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX 2025).
During his visit to the exhibitions, held from February 17 to 21 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Sheikh Mohamed toured the 17th edition of IDEX, exploring various pavilions and engaging with representatives from leading national and international defence companies.
He reviewed state-of-the-art defence technologies and innovative solutions, gaining insights into the latest advancements shaping the global defence industry.
The President welcomed distinguished international participants at IDEX 2025, emphasising the exhibition’s growing significance as a premier global platform for showcasing defence and security innovations. He highlighted the substantial progress of the UAE’s defence industry in recent years, noting that its advancements align with the nation’s broader strategy for economic diversification and knowledge-driven development.
Sheikh Mohamed expressed his appreciation to the organisers of IDEX 2025 for their efforts in elevating the event’s global standing. He commended their commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation within the defence sector.
On February 18, 2025, Sheikh Mohamed also visited NAVDEX 2025, where he toured the exhibition’s various national and international pavilions. He explored the latest naval defence systems and technological innovations designed to enhance maritime security.
The UAE President was accompanied by senior civil and military officials throughout his visits, reflecting the nation’s dedication to strengthening its defence capabilities and fostering global partnerships in the security and defence sectors.
Mohammed bin Rashid Welcomes Delegations and Exhibitors at IDEX 2025
On February 18, 2025, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited IDEX 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
During his visit, Sheikh Mohammed extended a warm welcome to international delegations and exhibitors participating in the 17th edition of the exhibition and reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to fostering partnerships and driving innovation across sectors that contribute to a secure and prosperous future. He emphasised the UAE’s steady progress in the defence industry as part of its broader developmental strategy, encompassing all key economic and technological sectors.
Sheikh Mohammed remarked, “The significant advancement of the UAE’s defence industries is in line with our comprehensive development strategy, contributing to knowledge transfer and strengthening the national economy. IDEX stands as a global strategic platform supporting the growth of defence industries and technologies.”
He further stated, “We remain committed to enhancing the UAE’s role as a hub for innovation, development, and strategic partnerships across vital sectors. Our close collaboration with global partners continues to drive solutions that reinforce security, expand the pillars of peace, and create opportunities for sustainable development.”
Sheikh Mohammed toured the exhibition, reviewing the largest-ever edition of IDEX, which features 1,565 companies from 65 countries. The growing scale and prominence of the event underscore its expanding influence on the global defence and security landscape, attracting leading corporations, decision-makers, and industry experts to showcase cutting-edge innovations and solutions aimed at ensuring global stability and security.
During his tour, Sheikh Mohammed received briefings on the UAE’s growing participation in IDEX 2025. The notable rise in national exhibitors highlights the exhibition’s vital role in bolstering the UAE’s defence sector, enhancing the global competitiveness of local enterprises, and strengthening the global standing of Emirati products in regional and international markets.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Visits IDEX 2025
On February 17, 2025, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, visited the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2025).
During his visit to the exhibition, Sheikh Mansour toured various national and international pavilions, where he explored cutting-edge defence and military innovations, including advanced systems and state-of-the-art equipment.
His Highness expressed his appreciation, commending the organisers, partners, and all those who contributed to the continued success and evolution of IDEX.
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Visits IDEX and NAVDEX 2025
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, attended the second day of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defence & Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2025.
During his visit, Sheikh Khaled toured the exhibition halls, stopping by several Emirati pavilions to receive briefings on the latest innovations, technologies, and defence solutions developed by Emirati professionals in the defence sector.
Hamdan bin Mohammed Explores Latest Defence Technologies at IDEX 2025
On February 19, 2025, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, visited the 17th edition of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2025).
This landmark event, the largest of its kind in the region, continues to be a key global platform for showcasing cutting-edge advancements in defence technology.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that the remarkable advancements in the UAE’s defence industry stem from the visionary leadership’s commitment to fostering strategic sectors crucial to national security and global stability.
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted that maintaining high defence readiness is a cornerstone of sustainable development and spreading peace. He reaffirmed that the UAE’s approach to enhancing its deterrence capabilities aligns with its broader objective of promoting security and stability on a global scale.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Welcomes President of Tatarstan at IDEX 2025
On February 17, 2025, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, welcomed His Excellency Rustam Nurgaliyevich Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan, at International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2025) in Abu Dhabi.
During the meeting held on the sidelines of IDEX 2025, Sheikh Hamdan and the President discussed potential ways to bolster various aspects of cooperation between the UAE and Tatarstan, with a particular focus on defence.
Welcoming The Kuwaiti Minister of Defence
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, also met with His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al Sabah, Minister of Defence of the State of Kuwait, on the sidelines of the 17th edition of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2025) in Abu Dhabi.
During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan reaffirmed the strong and enduring ties between the UAE and Kuwait, emphasising their shared commitment to regional security and stability.
He noted the steady advancement of bilateral relations under His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Emir Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah of Kuwait.
Discussions focused on enhancing defence cooperation, reinforcing strategic partnerships, and advancing Gulf security initiatives.
Moreover, Sheikh Hamdan expressed his best wishes for the people of Kuwait, wishing them progress and prosperity.
….. Welcoming the Malaysian Defence Minister
On the same day, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, met with His Excellency Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Minister of Defence of Malaysia, on the sidelines of IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
Discussions between the two officials centred on expanding defence cooperation, particularly through knowledge exchange and technology transfer. Both sides emphasised the significance of sustained dialogue and coordination on regional and international matters of interest.
….. Meeting The Kazakh Defence Minister
Additionally, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, met with His Excellency Ruslan Zhaksylykov, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Kazakhstan, on the sidelines of IDEX 2025.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Visits IDEX 2025
On February 18, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited the 17th edition of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2025) and toured various national pavilions.
UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs Meets with Delegates at IDEX and NAVDEX 2025
His Excellency Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Fadel Al Mazrouei, the UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs, held a series of high-level meetings with delegates visiting the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2025) and the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX 2025), held from February 17 to 21 in Abu Dhabi.
During these meetings, held separately at his office at the exhibition venue, His Excellency engaged in discussions with several prominent defence officials, including His Excellency Zukan Helez, Minister of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina; His Excellency Birame Diop, Minister of Defence of Senegal; His Excellency Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, Minister of High-Tech Industry of Armenia; His Excellency Musa Hept, Deputy Minister of Defence of Türkiye; Professor Haluk Görgün, Chairman of the Turkish Defence Industries Agency; His Excellency Dmitry Shugayev, Director of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSVTS); and Mr Ryan McCarthy, Operating Partner at AE Industrial Partners.
The discussions focused on key topics of mutual interest, including avenues for enhancing cooperation in the military and defence sectors.
UAE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence Meets Key Delegates at IDEX and NAVDEX 2025
His Excellency Staff Major General Ibrahim Nasser Al-Alawi, UAE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence, held a series of high-level meetings with visiting delegates IDEX and NAVDEX 2025.
During these meetings, held separately at his office within the exhibition venue, His Excellency engaged in discussions with several senior military officials, including Lieutenant General Mahmoud Fouad Abdel-Gawad, Commander of the Egyptian Air Force; retired Lieutenant General Muhammad Shiragh Haider, Secretary-General of Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production; and Brigadier General Xavier Julian Isaac, Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Argentine Armed Forces.
The meetings were attended by senior officials and high-ranking officers from both sides.
UAE Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Meets with Delegates at IDEX and NAVDEX 2025
His Excellency Lieutenant General Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, held a series of high-level meetings with visiting delegates at IDEX and NAVDEX 2025.
During these meetings, held separately at his office within the exhibition venue, His Excellency engaged in discussions with several senior military officials, including Field Marshal Birhanu Jula Gelalcha, Chief of the General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force, His Excellency Seok Jong Gun, Minister of the Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) of South Korea, General Levent Ergun, Commander of the Turkish Land Forces; and Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Deputy Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff of India along with their accompanying delegations.
UAE Air Force and Air Defence Commander Holds Key Meetings at IDEX and NAVDEX 2025
His Excellency Major General Rashid Mohammed Al Shamsi, Commander of the UAE Air Force and Air Defence, held a series of high-level meetings with visiting delegates at IDEX and NAVDEX 2025.
During these meetings, held separately at his office within the exhibition venue, His Excellency engaged in discussions with Lieutenant General Mahmoud Fouad Abdel-Gawad, Commander of the Egyptian Air Force, as well as several representatives and officials from leading defence and military industries.
Commander of UAE Land Forces Meets with Deputy Chief of India’s Integrated Defence Staff at IDEX and NAVDEX 2025
On February 20, 2025, His Excellency Major General Yousef Mayouf Al Halami, Commander of the UAE Land Forces, held a high-level meeting with Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Deputy Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff of India at IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
The meeting, held at His Excellency’s office within the exhibition venue, was attended by senior officers from both sides.
Commander of UAE Naval Forces Meets Key Delegates at IDEX and NAVDEX 2025
Staff Major General Hamid Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Commander of the UAE Naval Forces, held a series of high-level meetings with distinguished international delegates on the sidelines of the IDEX and NAVDEX 2025.
During these meetings, held at his office at the exhibition venue, Rear Admiral Al Rumaithi engaged in discussions with several prominent military leaders. Among them were His Excellency Seok, Jong Gun, Minister of the Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) of South Korea; Vice Admiral Mohamad Azuwan bin Harun, Commander of the Western Fleet of the Royal Malaysian Navy; Vice Admiral Dimitrios Eleftherios Katarras, Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff; Vice Admiral Abishev Oleg, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy; Rear Admiral Ahmed Seyid Benaouf, Chief of Staff of the Mauritanian Navy; Rear Admiral Kim Tae-hoon, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Planning and Management of the Republic of Korea Navy; Rear Admiral Muhammad Niyamat Elahee, Commander of Training and Doctrine in the Bangladesh Navy; and Commodore Ben Aldous, Commander of the UK Maritime Component and Deputy Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces.
National Guard Commander Tours IDEX 2025
Major General Saleh Mohammed bin Mejren Al Ameri, Commander of the UAE National Guard, toured the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2025), where he explored the latest defence technologies, systems, and security innovations on display.
During his visit, Al Ameri engaged with representatives from both national and international pavilions, receiving in-depth briefings on advanced defence solutions and cutting-edge military equipment.
Furthermore, he discussed potential applications of these innovations to enhance the UAE National Guard’s operational capabilities and readiness.
… Meeting the Bahraini National Guard Staff Director
On February 18, 2025, Major General Staff Pilot Saleh Mohammed bin Mujren Al Ameri, Commander of the UAE National Guard, welcomed Lieutenant General Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Saud Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s National Guard Staff Director, at his office on the sidelines of IDEX 2025.
UAE Deputy Commander of Joint Operations Meets Bahraini Counterpart
On February 20, 2025, His Excellency Major General Staff Awad Saeed bin Musleh Al Ahbabi, Deputy Commander of the UAE Joint Operations, welcomed Staff Colonel Sheikh Salman bin Abdullah bin Salman Al Khalifa, Director of Joint Operations of the Kingdom of Bahrain, on the sidelines of IDEX 2025 in the presence of senior officers from both sides.
IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 Conclude with Record-Breaking Success
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the largest-ever editions of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) concluded successfully on February 21, 2025.
Held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from February 17 to 21, the five-day event set new records in participation, deals, and visitor numbers, attracting 206,073 attendees—an increase of over 55.5% compared to the previous edition.
Organised by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council, the exhibitions received high praise from visitors, industry leaders, decision-makers, and defence experts. As a testament to this success, 70% of the exhibition space has already been reserved for the next edition, scheduled for January 25 to 29, 2027.
Tawazun Council, the UAE’s independent entity overseeing defence acquisitions and contracts, announced 55 new deals worth AED 25.15 billion—a 10% increase from the previous edition.
Signed with local and international defence firms, these deals reinforce the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its defence capabilities and fostering global industry partnerships.
Empowering the Next Generation
IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 provided opportunities for the next generation of defence professionals, with over 6,000 university students—representing 3% of total visitors—attending to explore the latest defence technologies.
Additionally, attendees participated in interactive workshops and panel discussions led by global decision-makers and industry experts.
The International Defence Conference (IDC)
This year’s International Defence Conference attracted over 1,800 participants, marking a 25% increase from the previous edition. Attendees included 55 military delegation heads, 40 CEOs of global defence companies, 48 ambassadors and diplomats, 65 military attachés, and representatives from military academies and universities worldwide.
Through three key sessions, IDC addressed global security challenges, defence readiness, and strategies for safeguarding critical supply chains.
Additional discussions explored the role of disinformation in modern conflicts and the rising significance of space security. A distinguished lineup of 12 speakers—including ministers, military leaders, and senior defence officials—offered valuable insights into these pressing topics.
Showcasing Cutting-Edge Defence Innovations
The latest edition of IDEX and NAVDEX introduced several new initiatives, providing a platform for advancements across 17 key defence sectors. These included land, air, and unmanned systems, as well as advanced navigation, radar, and command-and-control technologies. Advanced weaponry, soldier protection systems, electronic warfare solutions, homeland security equipment, and medical and survival gear were also prominently featured.
Furthermore, the 8th edition of NAVDEX showcased an impressive fleet of naval vessels from eight nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Pakistan, Greece, South Korea, and India.
Held at ADNEC Marina and Zayed Port, the event highlighted innovations in naval defence, unmanned marine vehicles, and submarine technologies. It also underscored the growing importance of space security in national defence strategies.
Surge in Participation and Exhibitor Growth
The 2025 edition of IDEX and NAVDEX featured 1,565 exhibitors from 65 countries, reflecting a 16% increase compared to the previous edition. The total exhibition space expanded by 10% to 181,501 square metres, accommodating a diverse range of displays and innovations. Notably, 731 companies made their debut at the event, marking an 82% increase in new participants, while 213 Emirati companies accounted for 16% of total exhibitors, highlighting the growth of the UAE’s defence sector.
For the first time, seven countries—Qatar, Ethiopia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, and Cyprus—joined IDEX, further diversifying the event’s global footprint. The expansion also saw the opening of Hall 14, which hosted 341 exhibitors, providing a larger platform for defence and security innovations.
The event attracted 156 startup companies from around the world, representing 10% of total exhibitors. These companies showcased cutting-edge technologies to decision-makers, investors, and defence specialists, underscoring the growing role of emerging enterprises in the sector.
Engaging Forums and Groundbreaking Initiatives
Throughout the five-day event, IDEX and NAVDEX featured a range of thought-leadership platforms, including the ‘IDEX and NAVDEX Talks,’ which brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to discuss transformative technologies and future defence trends. The exhibitions also hosted the ‘Next Gen’ startup platform, featuring over 100 global startups, and the ‘Think Tank’ forum, a strategic initiative aimed at fostering industry insights and long-term strategies.
A major highlight of this year’s event was the launch of the CBRNE Hub, the first global gathering dedicated to defence against chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive threats. The hub featured participation from 38 companies across 13 nations, offering a collaborative space for industry leaders to exchange expertise and innovations. Additionally, attendees explored the ‘Innovation Track Tour’ and ‘Future Labs’ initiatives, which highlighted pioneering advancements shaping the defence landscape.
Looking Ahead: IDEX and NAVDEX 2027
Following the unprecedented success of the 2025 edition, IDEX and NAVDEX are set to return on an even larger scale in 2027.
Scheduled to take place from January 21 to 25 at ADNEC, the upcoming editions promise enhanced engagement, with 70% of exhibitors already confirming their participation. Organized by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Defence and the Tawazun Council, IDEX and NAVDEX 2027 will continue to serve as premier platforms driving the evolution of the global defence industry.
