International Defence Conference 2025 tackles global security challenges and future opportunities
Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the International Defence Conference 2025 (IDC 2025) commenced in Abu Dhabi, bringing together global defence and security leaders. Held under the theme "Defence Reimagined: Innovation, Integration, and Resilience," the conference serves as a strategic platform to address evolving security threats, cutting-edge innovations, and the future of international defence collaboration.
His Excellency Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Fadel Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs, officially inaugurated the conference, emphasizing its role as a global hub for defence innovation. He highlighted that since its inception in 1993, IDEX has been instrumental in shaping the UAE’s defence landscape, while NAVDEX showcases the country's growing maritime security capabilities.
With 366 international delegations attending, the conference reaffirmed the UAE’s status as a global defence and security powerhouse. Discussions focused on cybersecurity, space security, and defence preparedness, addressing real-world security challenges and emerging technological solutions.
The event was attended by prominent defence officials, including 55 heads of military delegations, 40 CEOs of leading defence firms, 48 ambassadors, 65 military attachés, and experts from military academies and research institutions worldwide.
The conference featured three high-profile panel discussions, addressing global disruptions, cyber warfare, and the future of space security.
The first session, "Global Disruptions and Defence Preparedness: Mitigating Threats to Critical Supply Chains," was led by Dr. Nasser Hamid Al Nuaimi, Secretary-General of Tawazun Council. He highlighted the vulnerabilities of global supply chains and the role of regional partnerships, local production, and technological advancements in ensuring defence resilience.
The second session, "Disinformation and Influence Operations: The Weaponisation of Information in Modern Conflicts," featured Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of UAE Cybersecurity. He emphasized the growing impact of cyber warfare, AI-driven misinformation, and deepfakes on national security, stressing the need for robust cybersecurity policies and AI countermeasures.
The third session, "The Sky is No Longer the Limit: Emerging Threats and Opportunities in Space," was led by Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs. He discussed the increasing role of satellites, space defence systems, and off-planet manufacturing in shaping the future of defence technology, emphasizing that space investment is key to economic growth and technological advancement.
Organized by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council, IDC 2025 runs alongside IDEX and NAVDEX at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, attracting over 1,800 defence industry experts.
The conference also introduced a hybrid participation model, allowing global audiences to engage in discussions virtually, expanding its impact beyond Abu Dhabi.
With a strong focus on AI, cyber resilience, and space security, IDC 2025 reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to advancing global defence capabilities and shaping the future of security in an increasingly complex world.
