LONDON // Fifteen UAE companies are attending the world's largest defence and security exhibition for the first time.
The UAE's pavilion has representatives from firms such as Tawazun, Mubadala, Sofia Trading and Nation Shield.
The Defence and Security Equipment International Exhibition, which ran from Tuesday until today, is being held at the Excel London convention centre, an Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company.
The Abu Dhabi International Defence Exhibition (Idex) is providing strategic support to UAE companies during the event.
This includes help to promote products and facilitate business opportunities with multinational defence and security organisations.
"The Defence and Security Equipment International Exhibition is one of the most esteemed events in the modern-day defence industry," said Saleh Al Marzooqi, chief executive of Idex.
The UAE hopes to further promote its rapidly growing industry and generate sales of its products.
Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments signed a five-year product development and marketing agreement on Tuesday with the Britain-based Icarus Training Systems.
Also during the exhibition, the Tawazun Economic Council (TEC) hosted its Third Defence Contractors Council meeting.
The TEC is an offshoot of Tawazun Holdings that sets up partnerships and projects with international defence contractors.
Matar Ali Al Romaithi, chief officer of the industrial development unit at the TEC, said a meeting in London included reports on the latest projects, an outline of local companies in the defence and aerospace fields and an assessment of new partnership opportunities.
"The Defence Contractors Council has proven to be a highly successful forum for building stronger relationships between Tawazun Economic Council and our international partners," he said.
amustafa@thenational.ae