By Chaitali Bag
The International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2025 have concluded spectacularly, solidifying their position as the world’s premier platforms for showcasing cutting-edge defence and maritime technologies. Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, these record-breaking events, held from February 17 to 21 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), were a resounding success. IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 have set a new benchmark for excellence in the global defence industry with unprecedented participation, groundbreaking deals, and glowing international acclaim.
The numbers speak for themselves: over five days, the exhibitions welcomed a staggering 206,073 visitors, marking a 55.5% increase compared to the previous edition. This remarkable growth reflects the global significance of IDEX and NAVDEX, which attracted attendees from 167 countries, with international visitors making up 57% of the total. The UAE, unsurprisingly, led the pack in visitor numbers, followed by China, Turkey, the USA, India, France, Russia, South Korea, the UK, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Ukraine. The event’s inclusivity and international reach were further demonstrated by the participation of 1,565 exhibiting companies from 65 countries, including seven new ones, and an impressive 41 national pavilions.
The exhibitions were not just about numbers; they were about impact. The total value of deals signed during the event soared to an astounding AED 25.15 billion, a 10% increase from the previous edition. Of these, Emirati companies secured a dominant 68% of the UAE Armed Forces’ contracts, underscoring the nation’s growing leadership in the global defence industry. The Tawazun Council, the UAE’s independent procurement and acquisitions authority, played a pivotal role in facilitating these agreements, which highlight the UAE’s commitment to fostering industrial partnerships and enhancing its defence capabilities.
IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 also served as a platform for innovation, with 156 start-ups—accounting for 10% of the total exhibitors—showcasing breakthrough technologies and ideas. The exhibitions were a hub of inspiration for the next generation, as 6,000 university students attended to explore the latest advancements, develop their skills, and contribute to the future of the defence and maritime sectors. This emphasis on youth engagement and innovation demonstrates the UAE’s forward-thinking approach to building a sustainable and skilled workforce for critical industries.
The scale and sophistication of the exhibitions were evident in the expanded exhibition space, which grew by 10% to cover a massive 181,501 square metres. This growth accommodated the increasing number of exhibitors and visitors, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience for all. The satisfaction levels of both exhibitors and visitors were extraordinary, with the events achieving a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of +34 for exhibitors and +63 for visitors—far surpassing global industry benchmarks. These scores reflect the exceptional organisation, quality, and value of IDEX and NAVDEX as world-class events.
The success of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 was not only a triumph for the UAE but also for the global defence and maritime industries. The exhibitions received widespread acclaim from senior leaders, decision-makers, and industry experts, who praised the UAE’s ability to host such a monumental event. The overwhelming demand for participation in future editions is a testament to this success, with 70% of the exhibition space for the 2027 edition already pre-booked. Scheduled to take place from January 25 to 29, 2027, the next edition promises to build on the achievements of 2025 and continue driving innovation, collaboration, and excellence in the defence and maritime sectors.
Strategic Success and Industry Impact: The UAE’s Leadership in Defence and Innovation
The International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX) stand as global showcases of innovation, collaboration, and strategic excellence. Under the leadership of His Excellency Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, these prestigious events have solidified the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) position as a global leader in defence and advanced technologies. The 2025 editions of IDEX and NAVDEX not only highlighted the UAE’s esteemed international standing but also underscored its remarkable advancements in national defence industries. These achievements are a testament to the expertise, dedication, and innovation of Emirati talent, as well as the country’s commitment to fostering a hub for thought leaders, decision-makers, and industrial progress.
The success of IDEX and NAVDEX is the result of a collaborative effort involving the ADNEC Group, the Higher Organising Committee, various subcommittees, and numerous national institutions from both the public and private sectors. His Excellency Major General Al Mazrouei extended his gratitude to these entities for their contributions to the event’s success. This unity of purpose reflects the UAE’s broader vision of fostering partnerships and driving excellence across multiple sectors.
National Achievements & Technological Advancements
His Excellency Major General Staff Mubarak Saeed Ghafan Al Jabri, Deputy Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, highlighted the remarkable success of national companies during this year’s exhibitions. These companies showcased cutting-edge products and demonstrated significant progress in enhancing local technological capabilities through knowledge transfer. Their contributions have strengthened the UAE’s position in critical sectors such as aviation, naval systems, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and space technologies. These achievements underscore the UAE’s commitment to integrating the latest advancements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution into its industries.
One of the most notable outcomes of the 2025 editions of IDEX and NAVDEX was the increase in partnerships and the total value of deals signed. National companies secured 68% of the contracts awarded by the Tawazun Council, with the remaining 32% going to international companies. This distribution highlights the technological growth and innovation achieved by UAE-based firms, reflecting their ability to compete on a global scale. Such developments not only bolster the UAE’s defence sector but also contribute to its overall economic diversification strategy.
A Legacy of Excellence and Global Engagement
The success of IDEX and NAVDEX extends beyond the impressive visitor numbers and the contracts signed. For over three decades, these exhibitions have demonstrated the UAE’s leadership in the defence industries sector and its commitment to fostering global security and stability. By attracting and integrating the latest technologies, the UAE has positioned itself as a leader in leveraging innovation to serve humanity and address global challenges. This year’s events further reinforced this legacy, showcasing the UAE’s ability to attract international participation and drive meaningful collaboration.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, emphasized the role of IDEX and NAVDEX as key pillars in supporting the UAE’s economic diversification. By hosting major international events, ADNEC Group provides opportunities for the development of various industrial sectors while attracting visitors and participants from around the world. The 2025 editions of IDEX and NAVDEX welcomed 206,073 visitors, marking a 55.5% growth compared to the previous edition. Among these attendees, 57% were international visitors from 167 countries, reflecting the global appeal of these exhibitions. The UAE ranked first in visitor numbers, followed by China, Turkey, the United States, and other major nations, further highlighting the country’s ability to engage a diverse and influential audience.
The International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX) have consistently demonstrated their significance as global platforms for innovation, economic growth, and technological advancement over the last three decades. These events have played a pivotal role in supporting the UAE’s national economic diversification agenda, aligning with the vision of the country’s leadership to foster advanced industries and adopt cutting-edge technologies. By doing so, IDEX and NAVDEX have solidified the UAE’s standing as an international hub for innovation and technology while contributing to GDP growth, income diversification, and job creation across various industrial sectors.
The 2025 editions of IDEX and NAVDEX achieved unprecedented levels of success, with record-breaking satisfaction rates among exhibitors and visitors. The Net Promoter Score (NPS) for exhibitors reached +34, surpassing the global industry benchmark of +8 by 300%. Similarly, visitor satisfaction rose to +63, exceeding the global standard by 119%. These achievements underscore the exhibitions’ ability to deliver exceptional value for participants, as reflected in the high return on investment (ROI) scores for both exhibitors and visitors.
The accompanying International Defence Conference further enhanced the events’ significance by addressing critical global security challenges, including supply chain resilience, information warfare, and emerging threats in space. With over 1,800 attendees and participation from high-ranking officials, the conference fostered dialogue on the future of defence and security.
IDEX 2025 highlighted innovations across 17 key defence sectors, showcasing cutting-edge technologies such as radar systems, electronic warfare, and unmanned systems. NAVDEX 2025, in its eighth edition, featured an impressive display of naval fleets from eight nations, emphasizing the growing importance of maritime security. These exhibitions not only demonstrated operational excellence but also reinforced the UAE’s prestige on regional and international stages.
The resounding success of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 reflects the collaborative efforts of national institutions, including the Ministry of Defence and the Tawazun Council. Their contributions ensured that these events were presented at the highest standard, further cementing the UAE’s reputation as a leader in the global defence and technology sectors.
A Global Platform for Defence & Security: IDEX & NAVDEX 2025
The world of defence and security is evolving at a rapid pace, and platforms like IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 have emerged as a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and progress. This year’s edition of the exhibition has truly set a benchmark, showcasing the global defence industry’s dynamism while highlighting the UAE’s growing role as a leader in this critical sector. With record-breaking participation, groundbreaking initiatives, and a clear focus on innovation, IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 have proven themselves to be more than just exhibitions—they are a global stage for shaping the future of defence and security.
A Record-Breaking Showcase of Global Excellence
The sheer scale of this year’s event was nothing short of remarkable. Featuring 1,565 companies from 65 countries, the exhibition saw a 16% increase in participation compared to the previous edition. The expansion of the exhibition space to 181,501 square metres—a growth of 10%—speaks volumes about the event’s rising prominence. What’s even more impressive is the participation of 731 companies for the first time, marking an 82% increase in new exhibitors. This influx of fresh players underscores the exhibition’s reputation as a magnet for innovation and opportunity.
Notably, 213 Emirati companies accounted for 16% of total exhibitors, showcasing the UAE’s growing prowess in defence industries. This reflects the nation’s commitment to strengthening its defence sector and advancing its capabilities on a global scale. The addition of seven new countries—including Qatar, Ethiopia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, and Cyprus—further broadened the event’s international scope, making it a truly global platform. The inauguration of Hall 14, which housed 341 exhibiting companies, added another layer of diversity and scale to this extraordinary event.
Start-Ups & Innovation: Shaping the Future of Defence
IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 were not just about established industry giants; they also provided a significant platform for start-ups and innovators. With 156 start-ups from around the world—representing 10% of all exhibitors—this year’s exhibition placed a strong emphasis on cutting-edge technologies and fresh ideas. Initiatives like IDEX Next Gen allowed over 100 start-ups to showcase their innovations to decision-makers and industry leaders, fostering collaboration and opening doors to new markets.
A standout feature of the event was the introduction of the CBRNE Hub—a first-of-its-kind global platform dedicated to addressing Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives threats. With participation from 38 companies across 13 countries, the hub brought together experts, leaders, and innovators to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in modern defence. This initiative exemplifies the exhibition’s commitment to addressing emerging threats and driving progress in the defence industry.
Empowering Future Generations
One of the most inspiring aspects of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 was its focus on preparing future generations. Over 6,000 university students from various disciplines attended the exhibition, making up 3% of total visitors. These students had the unique opportunity to explore the latest technologies, interact with industry leaders, and participate in workshops led by global experts. This exposure not only broadened their horizons but also guided their academic and professional interests towards the defence and security sectors—key pillars of the UAE’s future economic development.
By fostering direct interaction between students and industry leaders, the exhibition played a crucial role in transferring advanced knowledge and skills to the next generation. This effort aligns perfectly with the UAE’s vision of building a knowledge-based economy and ensuring sustainable growth across various sectors. The event’s emphasis on education and innovation ensures that the UAE is not only keeping pace with global advancements but also leading the charge in developing homegrown talent.
A Hub of Innovation and Collaboration
Innovation was at the heart of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025. The IDEX Innovation Trail and IDEX Future Labs offered participants a glimpse into the cutting-edge technologies and programmes shaping the future of defence. These initiatives provided a platform for collaboration between public and private sectors, supporting research and development while enhancing the competitiveness of start-ups. By fostering innovation and opening new regional and international market opportunities, the exhibition reinforced its role as a catalyst for growth and progress.
A Vision for the Future
IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 were more than just exhibitions—they were a celebration of progress, innovation, and global collaboration. From record-breaking participation to groundbreaking initiatives, the event showcased the best of what the defence and security industry has to offer. It also highlighted the UAE’s commitment to building a sustainable, knowledge-driven economy while empowering future generations to lead the charge in these vital sectors.
The 2025 editions of IDEX and NAVDEX have once again demonstrated the UAE’s strategic success and industry impact. Through the dedication of Emirati talent, the support of national institutions, and the integration of advanced technologies, the UAE has reinforced its position as a global hub for innovation and collaboration. The achievements of national companies, the increase in international participation, and the significant economic contributions of these events reflect the UAE’s leadership in defence and its commitment to shaping a secure and innovative future. As the UAE continues to advance its industries and foster global partnerships, IDEX and NAVDEX remain shining examples of its vision for excellence and progress.
With inputs from ADNEC
