Defence ships go on show

Navdex, to be held next year, will focus on naval defence and maritime security. Above, a patrol boat on display at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference last year.

An exhibition focused on naval defence and maritime security will run parallel to next year's International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex), the UAE's biggest defence and aerospace industry show, organisers said yesterday. Navdex will be held on the banks adjacent to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from February 20 to 24, exhibiting warship technology and naval boats, with daily demonstrations of crafts.

"Maritime security is now a top priority for the region's governments with Gulf countries investing heavily to protect their coastlines," said Mohammed al Mashgouni, Idex's show director. Naval defence spending in the region is expected to grow by 1.2 per cent annually, reaching about $17.5 billion (Dh64bn) by 2020, according to Jane's, a naval defence advisory. Exhibitors will range from ship manufacturers to weapons systems to trainers for emergency response teams and search and rescue operations.

"GCC nations have felt the need for large, sophisticated two-tier navies that on the one hand protect the front-line as well as display capabilities to guard against terror attacks, piracy, smuggling, and engage in search-and-rescue," said Mr al Mashgouni. @Email:[e-mail]