Look: Sheikh Mohammed takes a tour of defence exhibition in Abu Dhabi

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday, toured the 16th edition of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2023) organised under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

Speaking on the occasion, the Dubai Ruler said: “The impressive defence capabilities of the UAE and the progress of our defence industry reflects our commitment to upholding the values of peace and human unity as well as our determination to maintaining our nation’s sustainable progress and protecting it from all threats to its security and integrity.” Congratulating the organisers on the success of the event, His Highness highlighted the emergence of IDEX as one of the world’s leading defence industry exhibitions over the last three decades.

Sheikh Mohammed was also accompanied on the tour by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.

He visited the stands of various participating companies both from the UAE and across the world including the pavilion of Edge, the UAE’s largest defence conglomerate, and Tawazun Council, the organisation mandated to oversee the regulations, standards and governance for the defence and security industry in the country.

Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the cutting-edge innovation in defence technologies and manufacturing displayed at IDEX 2023 and recent developments in the industry. With more than 1,350 companies from around the globe participating, the 2023 edition of IDEX has seen a 50% growth from the previous edition held in 2021. The current edition of the event is expected to attract 130,000 visitors, a 209% growth from 2021. The 16th edition of the event features the participation of 180 national companies, who represent 16% of total exhibitors. The UAE pavilion, spanning an area of 24,000 sq. m, is the largest at the event.

He met with Sheikh Talal Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Acting Minister of Defence of Kuwait, on the sidelines of IDEX 2023.

Also accompanying Sheikh Mohammed on his tour were Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs; Staff Lieutenant General Engineer Issa Saif Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, and a number of senior officials.