UAE signs deals worth AED 3.97 billion at IDEX

The opening day of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 saw 13 deals worth a total of AED 3.97 billion signed with both local and international companies.

The contracts were signed by Tawazun Council, the government entity responsible for procurement and contract management for the UAE Ministry of Defence and security agencies.

Of the total value, AED 3.825 billion came from local contracts, including agreements with companies such as International Golden Group, EDGE Group, Thales Emarat Technologies, Al Masaood, National Marine Dredging Company, Global Aerospace Logistics, Calidus Land Systems and Injazat Data Systems.

International deals totalled AED 143.4 million, with contracts involving Finland’s Patria Land Systems, Germany’s Rheinmetall Electronics, Switzerland’s Rheinmetall Air Defence, and US-based Maxar Intelligence.

Tawazun Council announced the signing of 13 deals worth AED 3.97 billion with local and international companies on day 1 of @IDEX_UAE 2025. pic.twitter.com/9gr6gE6Xdy

— Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement (@TawazunCouncil) February 17, 2025

The 17th edition of IDEX, which kicked off on Monday, was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister.

It's the largest edition in the history of the event, with extensive participation from global defence firms, senior military officials and key decision makers in the sector.

IDEX 2025 features 1,565 companies from 65 countries, representing a 16% increase compared to the previous edition. The total exhibition area has expanded by 10% to 181,501 square metres.

Additionally, 731 new companies are participating for the first time, marking an 82% increase, while 213 UAE-based entities account for 16% of overall exhibitor numbers, highlighting the growth of the UAE’s defence industry.

Seven countries, including Qatar, Ethiopia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Cyprus are making their debut at IDEX.

Hamdan bin Mohammed: Today, I inaugurated the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) at ADNEC Abu Dhabi, which has grown into one of the world’s leading defence industry events, thanks to the visionary leadership of President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This year’s… pic.twitter.com/tjwzysZBPF

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 17, 2025