The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is gearing up to exhibit its cutting-edge defense capabilities and strengthen strategic relations at the 16th edition of the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 23), scheduled to take place in Istanbul between 25th and 28th July 2023. Under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkiye, the Emirates Defense Companies Council (EDCC), the primary support for the UAE defense industry, will organize the UAE Pavilion for the event.
A high-level delegation, led by Tareq Abdulraheem Al Hosani, Secretary General of Tawazun Council, will represent the UAE defense industry at the fair. The IDEF is recognized as the fourth-largest defense industry fair globally in terms of the number of exhibitors, and in 2023, it is set to host a record number of visitors and exhibitors by adding a new exhibition hall due to the surge in local and foreign demand.
In 2021, the IDEF witnessed participation from 68,795 industry professionals representing 94 countries and featured 1,238 exhibiting businesses from 53 nations. The event saw the signing of 94 national and international agreements, with 163 delegates from 81 nations and 2 international organizations attending.
The UAE Pavilion at IDEF is an integral part of the nation’s ongoing efforts to bolster defense cooperation and exchange expertise with global companies. It offers UAE defense companies a platform to showcase and promote their products and solutions that carry the esteemed “Made in the UAE” brand.
Among the government entities and EDCC members attending the event are the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Yahsat, Calidus, AL Hamra, Rabdan Academy, AL Jundi, and IDEX LLC. These companies are set to present the latest advancements in defense technologies, including land, naval, aviation, and industrial development solutions.
Calidus will display an armored vehicle equipped with ground-to-ground and air-to-ground missiles in the domain of unmanned aerial vehicles. Abu Dhabi Economic Development Department will highlight their Industrial Development Bureau’s role in facilitating international businesses to establish operations in Abu Dhabi, while Yahsat will showcase their advanced network and communication technology solutions.
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology is gearing up to promote the “Made in the UAE” forum to enhance the competitiveness of local products on a global scale. Al-Hamra will present the latest military and security equipment and supplies, and IDEX LLC will promote the international defense exhibition and conference “IDEX 2025”. The pavilion also includes the UAE Ministry of Defense military magazine, Al Jundi.
Anas Naser Al Otaiba, General Manager at EDCC, expressed the significance of the UAE’s participation in IDEF 2023, highlighting the strength of the UAE-Turkish bilateral relations. He emphasized the commitment to strengthening these ties under the guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Al Otaiba stated that the UAE-Turkish Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, signed in March 2023, aims to serve the future developmental goals and enhance the national economy’s competitiveness.
Al Otaiba added, “We look forward to exploring promising opportunities for the participating national companies, where they will exhibit their innovative, proudly UAE-made products and solutions to meet national requirements and expand their global market presence. Additionally, we intend to contribute to national supply chains, promoting strategic gains and self-sufficiency in this industry.”
The UAE’s participation in IDEF 23 signifies its commitment to forging international partnerships, showcasing its defense prowess, and fostering innovation and growth in the defense industry. The exhibition is expected to serve as a significant platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and strengthening diplomatic ties with Turkiye and other participating nations.
