Idex 2021 highlights 'advancements' in the UAE's defence sector, UAE minister says

Events like Idex and Navdex position the country as 'a destination for innovation', Dr Sultan Al Jaber says

A NIMR Engineer sets up an EARTH Automated System. Events such as Idex and Navdex help in growing the manufacturing sector. Victor Besa / The National 

Events such as the International Defence Exhibition and Conference and Naval Defence & Maritime Security Exhibition highlight the UAE's "significant advancements" within the defence sector and promote innovation within the local manufacturing sector, the country's Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology said.

''The significance of such events lies in their ability to contribute to the nation’s agenda of growing the industry and manufacturing sectors through the use of innovative Fourth Industrial Revolution and artificial intelligence-based solutions," said Dr Sultan Al Jaber.

"As a result, this positions the UAE as a destination for innovation, attracting talented individuals with exceptional ideas and projects, from across the globe, to develop advanced technologies and employ them in boosting economic growth and quality of life."

He added that these events were also a testament to the UAE leadership's vision, which has led the country to adopt advanced technologies across the industrial sector, including in the defence industry.

Idex, a five-day biennial exhibition being held in Abu Dhabi, is the Middle East’s largest defence expo. It has drawn industry leaders eager to showcase their latest technology, from drones to armoured vehicles and has resulted in deals worth billions of dollars.

Dr Al Jaber said that the defence industries are a source of various innovative concepts that are being used daily in other sectors such as computer systems, pharmaceuticals, food manufacturing and space among others.

''We, at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, aim to collaborate with all the relevant stakeholders, further contributing a supportive ecosystem to grow this dynamic sector," he said.

The UAE Armed Forces awarded contracts worth more than $3 billion during the first two days of Idex 2021. The event also saw various UAE-based companies unveiling their locally-made models of defence equipment and other smart solutions to solve pressing industry challenges.

High-level meetings at Idex