Idex 2021 opens in Abu Dhabi – in pictures

Idex 2021 was held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from February 21 to February 25. Victor Besa / The National

Deals worth billions of dirhams were sealed at the event. Victor Besa / The National

It was the first major in-person exhibition held in the capital since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out. Victor Besa / The National

Social distancing was a must on day one of Idex. Victor Besa / The National

Up to 1,000 defence companies took part in the five-day event. Victor Besa / The National

Idex took place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Victor Besa / The National

Idex 2021 ran from February 21 to February 25. Victor Besa / The National

Signs inside the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Victor Besa / The National

Military vehicles on display at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Victor Besa / The National

Attendees at Idex 2021. Victor Besa / The National

Idex 2021, the first major in-person exhibition held in Abu Dhabi since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, opened its doors to delegates on Sunday morning.

The International Defence Exhibition (Idex), a biennial display of the most advanced military hardware in the world, is expected to see numerous deals worth billions of dirhams signed over the course of the event.

The Middle East’s largest defence fair, which runs until Thursday, will gather top industry players eager to showcase their latest technology.

Missile defence systems, drones, counter-unmanned aerial vehicle systems, cybersecurity tools and artificial intelligence technology – which play a vital role in modern warfare – will be in demand at the International Defence Exhibition, according to analysts.