IDEX sees over Dhs5 billion deals signed on opening day
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, visited several national and international pavilions at the 15th edition of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2021), held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre ( ADNEC).
The first day of the IDEX and the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2021 has seen the UAE Armed Forces sign 19 deals, worth Dhs5.03 billion, with local and international companies.
During his tour, he viewed the latest innovations of participating companies and countries, as well as their advanced equipment, control systems, and defence and military radar technologies.
Sheikh Mohamed stated that Idex is a leading global plaform for defence industries, and provides a unique opportunity to discover the advanced systems showcased by international companies in the defence, military and security industries that currently employ artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
The timely organisation of the event and the level of global participation underscore the UAE’S ability and efficiency in organising global events at all times, he added, noting that the exhibition plays a key role in promoting partnerships and establishing relations between countries, and the defence industry is a key component of the process of sustainable development in the UAE and many other countries.
Staff brigadier-general mo ham medal has sa ni, Official Spokesperson of the Idex and NAVDEX exhibitions, said: “The total amount of deals signed with international parties amounted to Dhs1.091 billion, which is 22 per cent of the total value of deals. Meanwhile, the value of deals signed with UAE companies reached Dhs3.939 billion, or 78 per cent of the total value of deals.
“Seven contracts were awarded to foreign companies, and 12 contracts were awarded to companies based in the UAE,” He added.
The deals were announced during a press conference held today in the presence of Naval Staff Colonel Fahed Nasser Al Thehli and Lieutenant-colonel Staff Maya Rashid Almazrouei, spokespersons for Idex and NAVDEX 2021.
Naval Staff Colonel Fahed Nasser Al Thehli, Official Spokesperson for NAVDEX, commented: “Contracts have been agreed between the UAE Armed Forces and the Emirati company Calidus Aerospace, purchasing the Calidus B-250 aircrat, at a value of Dhs1,697,834,053. Agreements have also been finalised with NIMR Automotive to purchase NIMR vehicles at a value of Dhs230,416,000.
“The UAE Armed Forces have further finalised deals with the Abu Dhabi based company, the International Golden Group, purchasing ammunition and weapons for the armed forces at a value of Dhs689,156,040.
Deals were also agreed with Al Masaood, providing spare parts and maintenance for a Leclerc tank and spare parts for Oshkosh Defence vehicles, at a value of Dhs250,000,000.
“GAL, part of the EDGE Group, agreed a deal with the UAE Armed Forces to provide technical support for the air navigation systems of the UAE’S Joint Aviation Command, with a value of Dhs410,000,000. Contracts were also finalised with Bin Hilal Enterprises, supplying spare parts, repair, and technical support for the General Maintenance Corp, with a value of Dhs45,000,000.
“Deals were signed with Al Fatan Marine Services to buy coastal patrol boats, helping enable vital installations and coastal protection, at a value of Dhs35,494,740. Further agreements were signed with Etihad Ship Building, providing technical support alongside spare parts for boats and naval vessels at a value of Dhs60,000,000.
“The UAE Armed Forces have also signed deals with AMMROC, another subsidiary of EDGE Group, to review the efficiency and ensure the combat readiness of aircrat of the UAE’S Joint Aviation Command, with the total value of AED 175,788,667. Wolf Sbane Wholesale of Military Equipment Trading also signed deals to install chemical, radiation detection, and early warning devices for the Chemical Defence Command. In addition, a contract was signed with Maximus Air, to charter air freight services for the Armed Forces, at a value of Dhs293,840,000.”
The timely organisation of the event and the level of global participation underscore the UAE’S ability and efficiency in organising global programmes at all times, says Mohamed Bin Zayed.