IDEX 2021: For the first time the defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi will host an Israeli Pavilion


According to a press release published by IDEX, for the first time in the history of IDEX, the event will host an Israeli Pavillion with more than 30 Defense and Security companies. IDEX, the International Defence Exhibition and Conference organized by Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company (ADNEC), signed a strategic agreement with ISDEF, the largest Israeli Defence, Homeland Security (HLS), and Cyber Expo, and part of the Avnon Group, as the exclusive promoter of IDEX to Israeli defense, security, and technology companies. IDEX will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre in Abu Dhabi from 21 – 25 February 2021.


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For the first time in the history of IDEX defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi, UAE, the event will host an Israeli Pavillion with more than 30 Defense and Security companies. (Picture source Army Recognition)


The addition of the pavilion to the exhibition highlights the continuous growth and development of IDEX and NAVDEX since their launch in the early 1990s. ADNEC has been a longstanding arena in hosting the international participation of industry leaders. Since the inception of IDEX and NAVDEX, ADNEC has shown an impressive track record in shaping the regional business tourism landscape for the industry.

ISDEF will be the event’s agent in the State of Israel, preparing, organizing, and hosting the Israeli pavilion at the exhibition. This agreement is aligned with ADNEC’s strategy and promotes IDEX by increasing partnerships and collaborations with companies and exhibitors globally.

Previously, ISDEF hosted major Israeli companies from the defence and cyber sectors, such as OSG, IWI, NSO Group, Skylock, Elsight, and others, displaying advanced technologies and solutions including cybersecurity, intelligence and IoT, mobile infrastructure, smart sensors, military and police equipment, training, and more. The opening of registration for Israeli companies to participate as part of the Israeli pavilion at IDEX is to be officially announced in the next few weeks.

Commenting on the signing of the agreements, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC, said: “At ADNEC, we are happy to sign this partnership with ISDEF to introduce a new pavilion to IDEX and NAVDEX 2021. We look forward to working with our new partners, who will help us increase the attendance of both delegates and visitors to this leading regional event. In signing the peace accord between the United Arab Emirates and the State of Israel, our two nations are opening a new chapter in the business tourism industry.”

Stacy Dotan, Chief Marketing Officer and member of the Board of Directors of Avnon Group, commented: “Following the recently signed historic peace agreement, I believe that there will be some amazing opportunities between the UAE and Israeli companies in the business and security sectors. I believe that IDEX will provide opportunities for both countries to gain exposure and a deeper understanding of available technologies from both Israel and the UAE, constituting a significant step towards future cooperation between Israeli and Arab industries.”

Matti Weinberg, CEO of ISDEF, said: “This agreement reflects ISDEF’s professional and forward-thinking approach as a major marketing platform for Israel’s innovative cybersecurity, defence and HLS Homeland Security technologies. This is an important step towards the recognition of leading technologies and exports promotion.”

Since its inception, IDEX has seen remarkable and sustained growth across all its editions. The upcoming edition of IDEX and NAVDEX is expected to cater to more than 1,300 companies specializing in different applications of the defence sector.

The IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions and conferences are held biannually and have seen a growth of over 270% since the initial convention.