Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, attended the final day of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference on Thursday.
Sheikh Mohamed toured several pavilions, where exhibitors told him about their products and technologies on show.
They discussed the importance of such exhibitions in allowing the exchange in expertise and knowledge, and as a platform for possible collaboration.
More than 60 countries and 900 companies took part in the event, which is the largest of its kind in the Middle East and displays the latest in defence technology.
Heads of delegations from participating companies praised the exhibition, which was the first in-person event hosted in Abu Dhabi since the Covid-19 outbreak.
At the end of his tour, Sheikh Mohamed thanked the Idex organising committee, saying he was pleased the event was a success while being as safe as possible for those taking part.
The wide participation showed growing international confidence in the UAE and its capacity to host global events, he said.
More than Dh20.95 billion in deals were signed over the five-day event, exceeding the Dh20.56bn of contracts signed in 2019.
Brig Gen Mohammed Al Hassani, spokesman for Idex and Navdex, the naval exhibition, said the total value of deals was very good given the global economic climate amid the pandemic.
"This is an indication of success of this exhibition," Brig Gen Al Hassani said.
More than 62,000 people visited the biennial exhibition.
