Hamdan bin Mohammed Inaugurates Largest Edition of IDEX in Abu Dhabi
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense, inaugurated the 17th edition of the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX 2025). This year's edition is the largest in the event’s history, bringing together defense industry leaders, senior military officials, and key decision-makers from around the world.
During the opening ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that the UAE's advancements in the defense sector are a testament to years of commitment and strategic planning. He highlighted that under its visionary leadership, the UAE remains steadfast in safeguarding its national achievements and upholding peace as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development.
His Highness reaffirmed that under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE continues to contribute to global peace initiatives, advocating stability and security as essential elements for international progress.
The opening ceremony was attended by His Excellency Mohamed bin Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defense Affairs, and His Excellency Lieutenant General Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, along with senior military officials and global defense leaders.
Record-Breaking Participation at IDEX 2025
Organized by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense and Tawazun Council, IDEX 2025 is being held from February 17 to 21 at ADNEC Center Abu Dhabi. The event brings together leading global defense companies and industry experts, showcasing advancements in land, aerial, and maritime defense technologies, as well as cutting-edge artificial intelligence and cybersecurity solutions.
This year's edition features 1,565 companies from 65 countries, marking a 16% increase compared to the previous edition. The exhibition area has expanded by 10% to 181,501 square meters, with 731 companies participating for the first time, reflecting an 82% rise in new exhibitors. Notably, 213 UAE-based companies make up 16% of the total exhibitors, highlighting the country’s growing role in the global defense industry.
Additionally, seven countries – Qatar, Ethiopia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, and Cyprus – are making their debut at IDEX 2025. The newly inaugurated Hall 14 features 341 exhibitors, further expanding the exhibition’s scope.
Spotlight on Defense Innovation and Security Advancements
A major highlight of IDEX 2025 is the launch of the first-ever Global CBRNE Hub, dedicated to addressing threats related to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) weapons. The hub includes 38 companies from 13 countries, focusing on the latest detection, prevention, and response solutions.
In addition, IDEX 2025 showcases over 3,300 cutting-edge defense products, spanning land and air defense, robotics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced protection systems. The exhibition also features live demonstrations, providing an immersive experience of next-generation defense technologies in realistic operational environments.
Strengthening Global Defense Cooperation
Alongside the exhibition, IDEX 2025 hosts high-level panel discussions, specialized conferences, and networking sessions aimed at fostering strategic partnerships and exploring future defense industry trends. Startups and emerging defense companies also have dedicated platforms to present their innovations to international stakeholders.
As a leading global defense event, IDEX continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of defense and security. The exhibition serves as a hub for international defense agreements, facilitating collaborations that drive technological advancements and enhance global security efforts.
With its increasing global significance, IDEX remains one of the most influential defense exhibitions worldwide, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s status as a premier destination for defense innovation, security cooperation, and military technology advancements.
