World Tribune.com

Military exhibition, IDEX-2007, in UAE breaks records

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Wednesday, February 28, 2007

ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates has concluded that its biannual military exhibition was the most successful ever.

UAE officials said the International Defence Exhibition, or IDEX-2007, was the biggest success in its 14-year history. They cited major cooperation by the UAE military, record attendance, participation as well as the pledge by most companies to return for this and other exhibitions. They said more than 80 percent of space for IDEX-2009 has already been booked.

"GHQ and the many hundreds of officers involved with hosting the official delegations have set the tone of cooperation and helpfulness that distinguishes IDEX," Frederick Theux, president of Reed Exhibitions Middle East, organizer of IDEX, said. "We look forward to enriching and furthering this relationship for IDEX-2009."

The UAE was the biggest spender at IDEX-2007, announcing 3.37 billion dirham, or $917 million, in awards for military projects. Many of the awards went to UAE companies as part of the military's policy to outsource non-combat tasks.

"We spend on average three percent of the GDP [gross domestic product] on defense, although this figure varies according to circumstances," UAE military logistics chief Maj. Gen. Obaid Al Ketbi said. "We estimate that outsourcing can save us 20 to 30 percent of the cost we incur."

Officials said the UAE military plans to increase orders from emirate companies. They said the policy was meant to expand the nation's capability to overhaul, maintain and upgrade foreign-origin weapons.

"We expect more local companies to participate in 2009 as our strategy is to increase cooperation with local companies and develop this partnership further," Al Ketbi said.

On Feb. 21, Abu Dhabi Aviation received a 71 million dirham, $19.3 million, contract to service AB-139 search and rescue helicopters. International Golden Group received an 87 million dirham [$23.6 million] to develop systems for Hummer vehicles, while Al Naboodah was awarded a 20 million dirham [$5.4 million] military supply deal.

The UAE military also awarded France's Dassault Aviation a 135 million dirham [$37 million] contract to maintain the air force's Mirage 2000 fleet. Abu Dhabi has several models of the Mirage, including the advanced 2000-9.

"IDEX 2007 has provided U.S. companies with the opportunity to showcase the most technically-advanced products and services that they have to offer to the world," Lexa Lynn Hooper, IDEX manager for the Association of the U.S. Army, said.

BAE Systems said IDEX-2007 was one of its most successful shows. The company, with a 600-square-meter pavilion, was visited by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

"IDEX is of strategic importance to BAE Systems," BAE manager for the Middle East Simon Keith said. "The caliber of delegations and visitors to the BAE Systems stand has been second to none, generating strong interest in the land, sea and air capabilities we had on display."


Copyright © 2007 East West Services, Inc.

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