IDEX Boosts Naval Component With Launch Of NAVDEX

To be co-located with IDEX, NAVDEX taps into US$17 billion GCC market potential

In a move that supports IDEX’s status as one of the world’s leading tri-service defence events, show organisers ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company), have announced the launch of NAVDEX (Naval Defence Exhibition), a dedicated exhibition for naval defence, coastal and maritime security that will run alongside IDEX (International Defence Exhibition & Conference), 20 - 24 February 2011.

Spending on naval defence in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries is expected to reach US$17.5 billion by 2020 registering a compounded annual growth rate of about 1.2 percent, according to leading defence industry advisory, Jane’s.

“Maritime security is now a top priority for the region’s governments with Gulf countries investing heavily to protect their coastlines. GCC nations have felt the need for large, sophisticated two-tier navies that on the one hand, protect the front-line as well as display capabilities to guard against terror attacks, piracy, smuggling, and engage in search-and-rescue. The combination of increased maritime security investments as well as steady growth in the region’s naval manufacturing capabilities have provided the impetus for us to launch NAVDEX as the naval component of the IDEX brand – a brand that enjoys clear leadership among defence shows in the MENA region,” said Mohammed Al Mashgouni, IDEX 2011 Show Director.

“We are confident that NAVDEX, an event which will be co-located with IDEX, will serve to highlight our commitment to constantly refining IDEX’s focus to accurately reflect the needs of the region’s defence market,” added Al Mashgouni

NAVDEX will provide a showcase for the latest in naval technology incorporating warships, naval workboats and amphibious crafts, combat equipment, coastal security systems and sea-to-shore communication solutions. The event will feature quayside exhibits, exhibition stands within an air-conditioned marquee, on-water craft moored to temporary pontoons and daily amphibious and waterborne demonstrations featuring the latest boats and crafts. In addition, a number of International naval vessels, up to corvette size, are expected at the ADNEC marina conveniently located adjacent to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Access to the marina is via a footbridge which will directly link the IDEX and NAVDEX events allowing easy access for visitors to visit both events.

Gulf countries have been steadily stepping up their naval manufacturing programmes. Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar has announced contracts to build six patrol boats for the Qatari navy at its shipyard in Ras Laffan, whilst the UAE’s ADSB (Abu Dhabi Ship Building) is in the midst of a programme to build six corvette-class ships for the UAE navy besides having signed deals with the Bahraini and Omani navies for ship building.

“IDEX has always been a much-anticipated show for ADSB. The launch of NAVDEX, as the dedicated naval component of IDEX, further expands the IDEX platform and we are confident NAVDEX will rapidly emerge as the Middle East’s premier naval defence and security exhibition,” said Mohamed Salem Al Junaibi, General Manager of ADSB (Abu Dhabi Ship Building). ADSB is a major player in the region’s ship building industry with 2009 revenues of AED 1.16 billion and more than 1,200 employees on its rolls.

For the delivery of NAVDEX, ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company) has signed a strategic agreement with Clarion Events who will manage the exhibitor sales and on-site organisation of the event.

“We are delighted to partner with the IDEX team in organising NAVDEX. Through our work in the global defence sector, we have over the years, developed both global expertise as well as a wide network of relationships. We look forward to deploying these capabilities in the conduct of the inaugural NAVDEX in 2011,” said Simon Kimble, Chief Executive Officer from Clarion Events. Clarion’s current portfolio of defence events includes DSEi (Defence & Security Equipment International), ITEC, UDT (Undersea Defence Technology) Europe, CNi Expo and LAAD (Latin America Aero & Defence).

Exhibitors at NAVDEX will range from ship manufacturers to ship repair services companies, technology providers to naval aviation such as helicopters and UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), weapons and combat systems to logistics and infrastructure providers, training and education suppliers to equipment providers for diving, search and rescue, firefighting and medical supplies, among others.
 

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