More than 100 companies will present their most sophisticated products at the upcoming Navdex 2019, a major maritime defence exhibition in the Middle East, in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the event will run from February 17 to 21 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) concurrently with the International Defence Exhibition (Idex).

The number of participating military units for Navdex is expected to increase by 66 per cent to 20 units from 15 countries. The 2019 edition will also see the participation of four countries for the first time including China, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and South Korea.

A transportation shuttle will link events held in the free port area, where large ships will dock, and the exhibition site and marine channel. This edition will also open the ships for visitors wanting to climb aboard the ships to learn about their capabilities.

Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, chairman of Higher Organising Committee of Idex and Navdex 2019, said: “The significance of Navdex as an international exhibition specialised in maritime defence is steadily increasing. The maritime defence sector is witnessing rapid development in terms of modern innovations and advanced technologies that compel professionals and personnel in this strategic sector to stay informed of the latest developments and technologies in maritime systems and equipment.  Navdex offers that opportunity.”

Hamid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec), said: “Adnec has worked on placing emphasis on the development of Navdex by expanding and developing the infrastructure of Adnec marine channel to increase the space allocated for presentations by 20 per cent to reach approximately 40,000 sq m. This allows us to provide an ideal platform for participating companies to display their products and meet their needs.”

Held on over 133,000 sq m of internal and external area, the 2019 edition of Navdex and Idex are expected to be the largest in their history as Idex is set to mark its silver jubilee. The previous edition saw the participation of more than 1,235 companies from 57 countries and produced concluding deals valued at more than Dh19.7 billion ($5.3 billion).