Increased Investment in Middle East Naval Defense, Attracts International Participants to NAVDEX

The UAE’s inaugural Naval Defence Exhibition confirms international participants; Raytheon, Navantia, MBDA and Elettronica

With naval spending around the region expected to reach around US$76.4 billion over the next 10 years, major technology suppliers have confirmed their participation at the United Arab Emirates’ inaugural Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX).

Raytheon, Navantia, L-3 and Elettronica are the latest in the line-up of large international companies to confirm their presence at the event, which will take place in the marina area of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from 20-24 February 2011.

French companies MBDA and DCNS are also taking part, along with leading companies from the United Arab Emirates. Including, two of the main players in the region’s ship building industry, Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) and Abu Dhabi Mar.

Developed in response to increased spending and requirements from the region’s navies and coastguards, NAVDEX opens at a time when the UAE and other Gulf states, are actively looking to build upon maritime security platforms, with a wide range of above and below water surveillance equipment, and all the associated situation awareness and command back up.

According to Jane's DS Forecast the total naval spending of Arabian Gulf nations and Western Indian Ocean regional countries is projected to reach around US$76.4 billion over the next 10 years; with frigates, submarines, surveillance aircraft and maritime helicopters making up nearly 50 per cent of the total market; and smaller patrol vessels and corvettes accounting for another 20 per cent.

“The GCC countries are continuing to show an increasing need for large, sophisticated two-tier navies that on the one hand, protect the front-line but on the other hand display capabilities to guard against terror attacks, piracy, smuggling, and engage in search-and-rescue.” said a spokesperson from NAVDEX.

“NAVDEX has been set up to support this growing regional demand for naval technologies and services. With a strong audience of regional and international delegations and procurement officials expected to attend next year’s inaugural NAVDEX, this exhibition provides a unique platform from which to maximize the opportunities to do business within this region.” He added.

Exhibitors at NAVDEX will range from ship manufacturers to ship repair services companies, weapons and combat systems to logistics and infrastructure providers, training and education suppliers to equipment providers for diving, search and rescue, fire-fighting and medical supplies, besides, technology providers to naval aviation.

Organized by Clarion Events on behalf of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company in association with and under the full support of the UAE Armed Forces GHQ, NAVDEX is running in parallel with the 10th anniversary of the region’s leading International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX).

The two events, IDEX and NAVDEX 2011, will be linked by a pedestrian bridge from the exhibition center to the marina area. NAVDEX 2011 will feature an indoor exhibition, on-water exhibits, outside-quayside displays, visiting naval vessels and daily on-water demonstrations.
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About NAVDEX 2011

Launching from 20th – 24th February 2011, the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX) is the Middle East’s premier exhibition dedicated to the naval defence, coastal and maritime security sector.

Run in parallel with IDEX 2011 (International Defence Exhibition & Conference) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi, UAE; NAVDEX is expected to attract a high-profile audience of influential decision makers dedicated to the procurement of naval and coastal defence products, services and solutions from the UAE, Middle East, Africa and Asian Subcontinent.

NAVDEX 2011 will take place at the ADNEC marina where exhibitors will display the latest technology on stands within a purpose-built air-conditioned exhibition structure; showcase vessels and crafts on the marina; demonstrate technology aboard visiting naval vessels; and highlight equipment capabilities in live on-water displays – all within direct walking access of IDEX.

NAVDEX 2011 is being organised by Clarion Events on behalf of ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company) in association with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ.

For more information please visit www.navdex.ae