That two deals worth over Dhs12 billion were signed on the first two days of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2021 shows the strategic importance of the UAE, particularly in the realm of defence.

Although the wheel of life has stopped in many countries of the world during the year 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic, business activity in the UAE keeps moving as usual. All thanks to the wisdom of our wise leadership that works day and night to catapult the country into prestigious positions at international gatherings.

On the first day, seven contracts were awarded to foreign companies, and 12 contracts were awarded to companies based in the UAE. On the second day, nine contracts were awarded to foreign companies, and 2 contracts were awarded to companies based in the UAE.

The UAE Armed Forces have further finalised deals with the Abu Dhabi-based company, the International Golden Group, purchasing ammunition and weapons for the armed forces at a value of Dhs689,156,040.

IDEX 2021 is a prominent global gathering for a hopeful and promising future for humanity.

The hosting of the global event by the UAE, amidst the extraordinary conditions affecting the entire world caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the adoption of necessary preventive measures to ensure the health and safety of all participants, highlights the need for global cooperation to ensure the recovery process from the pandemic and its repercussions.

IDEX is a leading exhibition specialising in defence areas and related military technologies from around the world, which underscores the UAE’s leading regional and international stature and its ability to host and organise key global events, in tandem with with the highest global standards.

One does feel a sense of pride at the national participation in IDEX 2021 and the presence of many leading national companies, underscoring the development witnessed by the UAE in defence industries.

Such is the UAE’s gravity at the meet that Pakistan has expressed a desire to enhance the level and scope of military engagements with the UAE.

General Nadeem Raza, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) of Pakistan, stated this after attending the ceremony of signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pakistan’s Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) and UAE’s Tawazun, according to the Pakistan Embassy in the UAE.

Praise for hosting the event has come from none other than the United States. Sean Murphy, Chargé d’Affaires at the United States Embassy in Abu Dhabi, has affirmed that the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America enjoy a decades-old strategic partnership.

On the sidelines of his participation at IDEX 2021, Murphy told Emirates News Agency (WAM), “We are grateful to the government of the UAE for hosting this global event,” adding that IDEX 2021 was a challenge in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We thank the UAE for the distinguished organisation that we see today,” he added.

He explained that IDEX is the only exhibition of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region, which constitutes an ideal opportunity for the US to strengthen its relations with many friendly countries.

He pointed out that the volume of trade exchange between the UAE and the US reached nearly $24 billion in 2019 and witnessed growth during the past year. Cooperation between the two countries includes many areas such as defence, trade and security.

Truly the UAE’s achievements are many, which all show its excellence, success and leadership in all fields, and at all levels. Here is a country where trials and tribulations do not put the brakes on realising dreams laid down by the founding fathers.