ADNEC Begins International Promotional Campaign for UMEX 2018, SimTEX 2018, IDEX and NAVDEX 2019

Campaign aims to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as region’s go-to events capital

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 29 March, 2017:  Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) announced the launch of an international promotional campaign for its defence exhibitions, which include the upcoming Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX 2018) and the Simulation and Training Exhibition and Conference (SimTEX 2018), to be held in February, 2018, as well as the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX 2019) and Naval Defence Exhibition and Conference (NAVDEX 2019).

As part of the aggressive drive, ADNEC participated in the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2017), which was held in Malaysia from 21 to 25 March 2017. ADNEC showcased its exhibitions at the event to attract leading global defence industry stakeholders and unmanned systems companies.

On this occasion, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, said: "The success of both IDEX and NAVDEX 2017 as well as the previous editions of UMEX and SimTEX that took place in 2016 have encouraged us to double our efforts to constantly improve the events we proudly organise and host to deliver the best results and enhance Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a prestigious global events venue. As part of our overall strategy to promote these critical exhibitions, we have conducted studies that indicate the most successful international events at which we need to be present.”
ADNEC’s promotional campaign also introduces international exhibitors to the benefits of participating in large-scale events by providing a unique opportunity to meet decision makers, industry leaders, customers and buyers in the Middle East.

Al Dhaheri added: "In addition to IDEX and NAVDEX 2019, we are currently focusing on the third edition of UMEX and the second edition of SimTEX, especially following the great success we have witnessed during the previous editions that saw the participation of more than 90 exhibitors and 5,000 visitors from all over the world.”

For his part, Saeed Al Mansouri, Director of IDEX and NAVDEX revealed that the next edition of both exhibitions is witnessing a great demand by decision makers and specialists as well as major international companies. The total area of the exhibitions is expected to significantly increase compared to the area allocated to the same events during previous editions, which amounted to 13,000 square metres.

Al Mansouri added that in conjunction with and on the side-lines of UMEX, another exhibition entitled “Simulation & Training Exhibition and Conference” will drive complementary support for the unmanned systems sector. Furthermore, engaging in simulations and training for unmanned systems is crucial to better equipping members of the Armed Forces and various defence establishments in their efforts to maintain security, protect borders and develop their readiness to face future challenges and dangers.

The two exhibitions will be accompanied by a specialised international conference, attended by high-profile decision makers, military and civilian defence experts, who will discuss several issues in the unmanned systems, simulation and training space.

The number of exhibitors has also increased from 34 in the inaugural edition of UMEX in 2015 to 90 international and local companies in the last edition, representing an increase of 160%. Additionally, the event drew participation from 22 countries in comparison to 14 countries in the debut edition, registering a 60 percent growth.

On the other hand, the number of companies participating in the live shows accompanying the exhibition, which was held at Al Ain International Airport, increased to 8 companies compared to 4 companies in the previous session. The UAE Armed Forces announced AED2.45 billion worth of deals during the two exhibitions.