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Warships to Berth Near IDEX Site

ABU DHABI — The ensuing edition of International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) will have an additional innovative and exciting element than the previous ones —warships up to frigate size will berth adjacent to the exhibition venue during the 
five-day event.

The biennial defence show, to be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (ADNEC) from February 22 to 26 is a much-awaited event for all those interested in defence-related developments. But since its inception in 1993, it is for the first time that such a berthing facility is being built up close to the exhibition site.

The previous eight editions of IDEX have seen warships having to dock at Port Mina Zayed, some 20 kilometres from the main exhibition venue. The Marina Zone has been witnessing intensive development, including the construction of a 350-metre quay wall and the dredging of the local sea channel to a depth of 6 metres.

According to ADNEC officials, the dredging of the basin off the Al Bateen Channel will be completed shortly. Work is under way on constructing a 350-metre quay which will allow the warships to berth directly opposite the ADNEC. This will provide companies the opportunity to demonstrate their products on board the visiting warships as well as on their stands. The ships will, thus, be very much a key part of this edition of IDEX which has naval sector as a particular focus area. Besides the naval vessels themselves, the full range of maritime systems, including coastal protection, are also expected to be on display at IDEX, according to the organisers.

The facilities for the traditional marine demonstration are also being improved, allowing companies to demonstrate a wider range of smaller vessels, such as patrol boats and landing 
craft designed for inshore and amphibious operations.

ADNEC has also begun the installation of a new bridge which will connect the exhibition facilities with the new Marina Zone. The installation will be completed in time for IDEX 2009 where it will play an integral part in the exhibition by providing pedestrian access to the naval displays.

The new bridge, which has been fabricated from 600 tonnes of steel and 132 glazed panels, will be 162 metres long and will span all eight lanes of the Khaleej Al Arabi Coast Road adjacent
to the ADNEC.

The unique structure was designed by internationally-renowned architects, Dissing and Weitling, and built by specialist Austrian bridge engineering company, Waagner Biro.

More than 900 exhibitors from over 50 countries are expected to attend IDEX 2009. Over 33 national pavilions, high profile defence and security personnel and more than 100 military delegations from the Middle East region and around the world will participate in IDEX 2009.

· ramavarman@khaleejtimes.ae