he bi-annual International Defence Exhibition ( IDEX 2021 ) and the Naval Defence Exhibition ( NAVDEX 2021 ) are flagship events for the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company ( ADNEC ). Organised by ADNEC subsidiary , Capital Events , and hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre – the shows are of vital importance to the industries they serve as well as to the local economy .

Held under the patronage of the president of the United Arab Emirates , His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan , IDEX and NAVDEX are organised in collaboration with the the Ministry of Defence and the General Command of the UAE Armed Forces .

IDEX and NAVDEX recently celebrated their silver jubilee , and organisers were determined that the 2021 edition would go ahead as an in-person event . Partners ’ and exhibitors ’ feedback had been enthusiastic about a return to inperson events .

The challenge was to make ADNEC ’ s first international event to be launched in the Covid-19 recovery phase a truly landmark event , with the safety of all visitors and stakeholders a core priority .

With global travel restrictions in mind , ADNEC applied to the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre to obtain a quarantine exemption for international exhibitors and visitors to the show and were granted this exemption in October 2020 – before Abu Dhabi ’ s borders re-opened to international visitors .

All visitors and participants will be required to have a negative polymerase chain reaction ( PCR )

Covid-19 test . In addition , social distancing measures and the wearing of PPE is being mandated across facilities .

NAVDEX is expecting a number of naval vessels from countries around the world to be on display at the ADNEC Marina during the exhibition , as well as the launching of new naval vessels .

The conference ( 20 February ) will be held as a hybrid event for the first time , both at the ADNOC Business Center and online , with artificial intelligence and advanced technology high on the agenda .

The event organising effort is overseen by the ‘ Higher Organising Committee ’ which has representatives from the relevant entities ( such as media and official delegation protocol ). Their aim is to ensure also that exhibitors meet the right buyers .

This year ’ s edition also has a new medical committee to manage and implement all Covid protocols and guidelines . The stringent guidelines have been issued in line with international and UAE governmental standards and govern aspects as diverse as food safety , stand build and car parking . ADNEC

Above : Saeed Al Mansouri , executive director , Capital Events

has developed approved safety guidelines in line with best industry practice .

For the first time , IDEX is issuing print at home badges which can be presented at either Abu Dhabi , Dubai or Sharjah airports for entry into the Emirate without the need to quarantine . There airports have been helping to arrange clearly branded designated IDEX queues at immigration . Participants will simply need to test again on Day 6 of being in Abu Dhabi .

Saeed Al Mansouri , executive director , Capital Events - IDEX tells EW : “ We have worked closely with the authorities to implement a number of approved protocols and procedures that will ensure the safety of all our stakeholders and partners as well as the surrounding community .

“ Throughout the planning process , we have been completely transparent in our discussions with exhibitors and foreign delegations and have been pleased to hear such enthusiasm that the event is going ahead 100 % in person . We have been heartened to see the addition of five new country pavilions this year and pleasantly surprised to see that the footprint of the show has not reduced . Whilst there is a need to put an upper limit of attendees , our teams have been working hard to drive the quality of delegations .

“ As the world is moving into a more hopeful phase , with the international roll-out of vaccines and the UAE being ranked second in the world in terms of vaccinating its population , and with the support of our stakeholders , we are confident that IDEX NAVDEX 2021 will be a successful and incredibly safe show .”