IDEX closed yesterday, with the organisers publishing final figures showing a record attendance with more than 60,000 visitors, 1,060 exhibiting companies from 53 countries and 150 official delegations participating in a total event space of 124,000 m².
Over the course of the five-day show, the UAE Armed Forces announced deals worth more than AED 14.5bn ($3.9 bn – €2.9 bn). National and international companies used IDEX as a forum to unveil major new technologies and equipment with the First Time Exhibitors Zone bringing in new and exciting exhibitors and technology. From abroad, technologies being exhibited for the first time internationally included a new low cost and high endurance class of UAS from French company Flying Robots
Beyond this, the engaging live demonstrations as well as the decision to repeat the opening ceremony on all days brought in a huge number of visitors, keeping the grandstand full throughout the week.
“The fact that, after nearly 20 years, we can continue to bring in the latest technology and keep our attendees engaged with new additions is something all of us at IDEX and NAVDEX are very proud of,” says His Excellency Major General Obaid Al Ketbi, Head of Committees and Spokesman for IDEX 2011.
Yuan Jun, Marketing Director for China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), noted, “This has been an excellent business opportunity for us. Quite simply, IDEX is the largest defence event in the region – every year we come we create valuable relationships and engage with important customers. We will certainly have a presence at every event for the foreseeable future.”
Also reporting record success with over 400 delegates in attendance, the Gulf Defence Conference, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nayhan, president of the UAE; addressed emerging threats and novel technologies involved in GCC defence and the regional security industry.