Abu Dhabi: Under the esteemed patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the International Defence Conference 2025 commenced today under the theme 'Defence Reimagined: Innovation, Integration and Resilience'. Bringing together defence and security leaders, experts, and industry players from around the world, the conference provides a critical platform to discuss the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the sector. It reaffirms the UAE's commitment to fostering dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in the evolving global defence landscape.
According to Emirates News Agency, the conference was officially inaugurated by Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Fadel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs. He highlighted that since its launch in 1993, IDEX has become a cornerstone of the global defence industry, directly supporting the UAE's ambition to lead in this sector. He also noted that NAVDEX serves as a testament to the UAE's focus on innovation and sustainable security, inspiring new approaches to addressing global defence challenges.
Al Mazrouei emphasised that the conference creates a unique forum for governments, industry leaders, and experts to align on shared security priorities. This year, with 366 international delegations in attendance, the conference underscores the world's growing confidence in the UAE as a hub for defence collaboration. Discussions will address critical global security concerns, including cybersecurity, space security, and defence preparedness, exploring practical solutions to enhance global resilience.
The opening ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee for IDEX and NAVDEX 2025, and Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs. Also in attendance were 55 heads of military delegations, 40 CEOs of leading defence companies, 48 ambassadors and diplomatic representatives, and 65 military attach©s, in addition to representatives from military academies and universities.
Organised by ADNEC Group, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council, the International Defence Conference 2025 runs alongside IDEX and NAVDEX at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. This year's edition has drawn over 1,800 industry experts and specialists.
The conference featured three key panel sessions. In the opening session, Dr. Nasser Hamid Al Nuaimi, Secretary-General of Tawazun Council, highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains, noting that disruptions have profound impacts on global security. The session explored international collaboration in defence innovation and the role of start-ups in strengthening global supply chains.
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE, led the second session, focusing on cyber warfare and the weaponisation of information. He highlighted the UAE's strategic approach to cybersecurity and discussed strategies for strengthening cybersecurity policies amidst evolving cyber threats.
In the final session, Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, discussed the significance of space technology in modern defence. He highlighted emerging opportunities in satellite-based defence and space innovation, emphasising the UAE's leadership in global space partnerships.
This year's conference also featured a hybrid participation model, enabling virtual attendees from around the world to engage in discussions, ensuring broader accessibility and participation in shaping the future of global defence.
