A delegation from the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company - ADNEC, (formally the General Exhibitions Corporation - Abu Dhabi) representing the 8th International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX 2007) has just returned from participating in the Defence Equipment & Systems International (DESi 2005) Exhibition & Conference, which was held from 13-16 September '05, at the prestigious ExCel Exhibition Centre, London.

The delegation promoted IDEX 2007, the world's largest and most comprehensive international defence exhibition and conference, which will showcase a wide range of defence and defence related equipment and technologies. IDEX is organised by the ADNEC, with the full support of the UAE Armed Forces.

A spokesperson from ADNEC noted the IDEX 2007 stand was very successful in attracting potential exhibitors, including some VIP visitors. Approximately 1,000 sq. metres of exhibit space was booked during the show for companies representing the UK, US, Finland, Sweden and the Ukraine. The spokesperson added that with the new bookings IDEX 2007 is now about 78 % booked. It is expected that more than 50 countries and at least 80 official delegations will participate in IDEX 2007. The event is also expected to feature approximately 32 pavilions and attract more than 1,000 defence companies.

Following the success of the Helicopter and UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Pavilion at IDEX 2005, the organisers are expecting substantial interest from manufacturers and military buyers in the 2007 event. Helicopter and UAVs are increasingly becoming part of today's strategic modern warfare.

"At DESi 2005 our participation and promotional activities in support of IDEX 2007 met with an enthusiastic response. IDEX has been recognised by the world's defence and defence related exhibition communities as the premier defence show, where the largest defence deals are signed. The stable and secure venue represented by the United Arab Emirates as the host nation is an important part of our success," said the IDEX official.

More than 1,100 companies participated in DSEi 2005, representing the international defence industry, as well as many divisions of the British industry in particular. The organisers of the show, Spearhead Exhibitions Ltd, enjoyed excellent participation from the naval sector, as the London Docklands played host to several visiting warships, which were able to moor alongside the ExCel Exhibition Centre itself. The Naval Ships demonstrated their capabilities and advanced technologies, also marine demonstrations were part of DESi 2005. Jane's Information Group, known for its in-depth coverage of the international defence industry published a show daily with reports on all the shows activities and programmes throughout the event. Jane's will assume a similar role at IDEX 2007.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE and official carrier of IDEX, showed its continuing support for IDEX and the exhibition industry through its raffle of a Business Class return ticket from London to Abu Dhabi. The prize draw was performed on the last day of the show from the IDEX stand and drew a lot of positive attention to both Etihad and IDEX 2007. A plaque of appreciation was presented by IDEX officials to the London regional office of Etihad during the event.

- Ends -

Editors note: 
IDEX 2007 is one of the largest defence exhibitions in the world catering to Land, Sea and Ground-to-Air Defence Systems and Equipment. IDEX 2007 will be held from 18-22 February 2007 in Abu Dhabi, UAE at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition & Conference Centre. It will incorporate a day-long Conference, which is regarded in international academic and military circles as a top forum on defence strategies and technologies.

For further information, please contact:

Mr. Mohammed K Nabhani 
Project Manager - IDEX 2007 
Tel: +971 2 4446900 Ext: 269
Fax: +971 2 4446135
Email: idex@gec.ae, nabhani@gec.ae

or

Mr. Bob Pearce 
ASDA'A Public Relations 
Tel: +971 2 6334133 Ext.282 
Fax: +971 2 6334233 
Email: r.pearce@asdaa.com