Visitors to the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2017 praised its acquired international and regional prestige as one of the main international specialist exhibitions that presents the latest technologies and technical innovations in advanced defence weaponry and military equipment production.

They highlighted the exceptional presence of UAE companies in the exhibition, which is considered a source of pride for all UAE citizens.

"The IDEX Organising Committee achieved success and excellence during this globally anticipated biennial event, for viewing the latest military products," said Ismail Moubarak Al Hammadi, from the Saned, a national volunteer programme run by Emirates Foundation.

The exhibition is moving forward on a path of success, due to directives from President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, he added.

Abdelnasser Al Otaibi, a visitor from Saudi Arabia, highlighted the exhibition’s good reputation and praised the participation of UAE and Saudi companies. He noted that UAE companies, including the Emirates Defence Industries Company and the Tawazun Company, are considered among the largest companies to participate in the exhibition.

He added that the Saudi pavilion presented the Saudi military industry’s main developments and noted the participation of other Arab pavilions in this important exhibition, which is considered to be an international platform for attracting major international companies.

Harrison Paul, another visitor, praised the international role of IDEX 2017 as a forum for major international companies that specialises in military industries, and for attracting companies and countries that manufacture military equipment that seek to promote their defence systems.

The UAE succeeded in attracting global attention through various military performances, which impressed participants and visitors during both IDEX 2017 and NAVDEX 2017 exhibitions, held under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Major-General Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al Balushi, Deputy Chairman of IDEX 2017 and NAVDEX 2017 Organising Committee, said that the military performances represented simulations of anti-terrorist and anti-organised crime operations, and noted that Armed Forces personnel performed exceptionally during the two exhibitions that attracted visitors.