International Defence Exhibition, Idex 2019 got under way in Abu Dhabi with hundreds of companies displaying their latest defence equipment as security challenges grow in the region and across the world. More than 1,310 defence firms are participating in the five-day event that is being held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center. That number is up 6 per cent compared to the previous edition of Idex in 2017.

International companies account for 85 per cent of the total number of participating firms, while the number of local agencies is 170, representing 15 per cent of the exhibitors.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces attended the opening ceremony. Bangladesh prime minister Shaikh Hasina was also present.

The opening ceremony was marked by a mock military operation as well as performances by the UAE military band, Abu Dhabi police band and Armenian military orchestra.

Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Russia’s Rostec are among the big international defence companies that are taking part in the event. From the UAE, Emirates Defence Industries Company (Edic), Tawazun, among others are participating.

Images Taken During the Event i.e. February 2019