ABU DHABI: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, visited the 17th edition of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2025) at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi.
During his tour, His Highness emphasised the importance of strong defence capabilities for national security, stability, and future prosperity. He praised the UAE’s growing defence industry, highlighting its role in localising knowledge, creating specialised jobs, and enhancing Emirati companies’ global competitiveness.
Welcoming delegations from 65 countries, Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to international partnerships and innovation to drive sustainable security and economic growth. He also lauded IDEX as a key global platform for advancing defence technologies and strategic cooperation.
IDEX 2025 has 1,565 exhibitors, marking a 16% increase from its previous edition. The exhibition space has expanded by 10% to 181,501 square metres, with 731 companies debuting, an 82% rise, and 213 Emirati companies, representing 16% of total exhibitors.
Sheikh Mohammed toured several pavilions, including the Turkish pavilion, where he explored Otokar’s five armoured vehicles, and the EDGE pavilion, featuring 46 newly unveiled defence systems and solutions. He was briefed on UAE’s growing presence at IDEX, reinforcing its role in the global defence sector.
Accompanying him were Mohammed bin Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs; Staff Lieutenant General Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces; and Major General Mubarak Saeed Ghafan Al Jabri.
