ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates is geared up to host International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2021) and the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX 2021) alongside the International Defence Conference 2021. The defense exhibitions will take place between Feb. 21 to Feb. 25 alongside the International Defence Conference 2021. IDEX, NAVDEX, and the International Defense Conference are organized by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense and the General Command of the UAE Armed Forces. The exhibitions will showcase the latest technologies and innovation in the global defense sector, support the growth of the UAE’s defense industry, and forge new relationships between major international companies. For the first time, the International Defence Conference 2021 will be held as a hybrid event and will bring together industry experts and specialists from around the world, under the theme, "The Prosperity and Development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Advanced Technology and the Protection in the Era of the 4IR." During a press conference held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre on Monday, the details of the 15th editions of IDEX, NAVDEX, and the International Defence Conference 2021 were announced to the public, in the presence of Major General Staff Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee for IDEX and NAVDEX, Major General Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al Balushi, Head of the Executive Directorate of Industries and Development of Defence Capabilities at the Ministry of Defence and Vice Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee for IDEX and NAVDEX, and Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO at ADNEC. Speaking during the conference, Al Mazrouei said, "This edition marks the commencement of the recovery phase from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, despite the current global conditions. It will demonstrate how Abu Dhabi and the UAE are ready and able to organize, deliver and host leading international events. The UAE has the infrastructure and expertise to organize such a global event, in adherence to leading precautionary health and safety measures. We anticipate an increase in participating Emirati entities." "The 2021 edition of the exhibitions and conference coincide with our nation’s Golden Jubilee, representing the culmination of a half-century of development and achievements, guaranteeing the UAE"s prestigious international position. Hosting the upcoming editions at this particular moment in the world’s history further shows that the UAE is a safe and attractive international destination. Our country has been able to proactively manage and curb the spread of COVID-19 while also being able to welcome the world to our nation," he added. Major General Staff Pilot Al Balushi commented, "We are immensely proud to launch IDEX, NAVDEX and the International Defence Conference 2021 during this time. The international community is confident in our ability to organize these exhibitions on schedule. In close cooperation with ADNEC, the Higher Organising Committee drafted detailed and thorough plans to organize these exceptional editions. Our nation is a global example, due to our management of the COVID-19 pandemic. The UAE is actively handling the recovery and revitalization of the national economic sector. "The Higher Organising Committee is cooperating with a wide range of entities and institutions to ensure the rigorous implementation of international health and safety standards, to protect delegations, participants and visitors. ADNEC is also cooperating with a wide range of organizing committees and authorities to ensure that each event can welcome international delegations, exhibitors, journalists, visitors, and participants. In addition, international visitors are offered polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests upon arrival at the UAE’s airports," he added. — WAM