His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai toured the 17th edition of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2025), currently underway at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi.
During his visit, Sheikh Mohammed underscored the critical role of advanced defence capabilities in ensuring national security and long-term stability. He highlighted how the UAE’s defence sector has evolved to meet national security needs while simultaneously strengthening the economy through knowledge localisation, job creation, and the rising global influence of Emirati defence firms.
Welcoming exhibitors and delegations from across the world, Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed the UAE’s dedication to fostering strategic partnerships and spearheading innovation. He lauded the remarkable progress made by the nation’s defence sector, recognizing its integral contribution to broader national development and economic growth.
Sheikh Mohammed also emphasized that IDEX serves as a premier global platform for shaping the future of defence technologies and industries. He reiterated the UAE’s ambition to position itself as a hub for technological innovation, strategic collaborations, and defence advancements. By working with international partners, the UAE aims to reinforce security, promote peace, and create sustainable opportunities for growth and progress.
Unveiling IDEX 2025: The Largest Edition Yet
During his tour, Sheikh Mohammed reviewed key highlights of what is now the most expansive edition of IDEX. This year’s exhibition has drawn 1,565 companies from 65 countries—a 16% increase from the previous edition—while the exhibition area has expanded by 10% to 181,501 square meters. Notably, 731 companies are making their debut, marking an 82% surge, with Emirati firms comprising 16% of the total exhibitors. This impressive growth solidifies IDEX as a premier global stage for the defence industry, bringing together the world’s leading players to showcase cutting-edge innovations that contribute to global security and stability.
Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the UAE’s expanding role in IDEX, highlighting how the exhibition strengthens the nation’s defence sector and boosts the international competitiveness of Emirati products.
Exploring Innovations and Strategic Partnerships
His Highness visited several pavilions, including the Turkish pavilion, where he explored the latest advancements in defence and security, such as Otokar’s fleet of armoured vehicles. At the EDGE pavilion, he examined the company’s newest product portfolio, featuring 46 newly launched systems and solutions designed to revolutionize modern defence.
Accompanying Sheikh Mohammed on the tour were His Excellency Mohammed bin Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs; His Excellency Staff Lieutenant General Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces; and His Excellency Major General Mubarak Saeed Ghafan Al Jabri, Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025.
Organised by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Tawazun Council, IDEX 2025 gathers global defence leaders, innovators, and military experts. The exhibition showcases cutting-edge military technologies, from land and air combat systems to advancements in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, cementing its role as a driving force in the evolution of global defence industries.