--- eventsindex_id: "EI-02925" slug: idex title: "IDEX" title_alt: ["International Defence Exhibition and Conference", "IDEX & NAVDEX", "IDEX Abu Dhabi"] canonical_url: "https://eventsindex.org/events/idex.html" next_edition_year: 2027 date_start: "2027-01-25" date_end: "2027-01-29" venue: "ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi" city: "Abu Dhabi" country: "UAE" organiser: "Capital Events LLC" organiser_url: "https://capitalevents.ae/" b2b: true vector: sector: [defence] audience: [military, government, industry, procurement, policy, startup, investor, researcher] format: [exhibition, conference, summit] purpose: [business, networking, procurement, policy, investment, innovation] geography_scope: [global] season: winter meta_description: "IDEX, 25-29 Jan 2027, ADNEC Abu Dhabi. World's leading biennial defence exhibition: 1,565+ exhibitors, 206,000+ visitors, 65+ countries, AED 25bn in deals." editorial_take: "IDEX is the single most consequential deal-making forum in the global defence calendar -- five days in Abu Dhabi where procurement decisions worth tens of billions of dirhams are announced under one roof." generated_by: "claude-max-cowork" last_verified: "2026-06-10" variables_filled: 48/58 language: "en" schema_version: "v6.0" --- # IDEX -- International Defence Exhibition and Conference > *IDEX is the world's premier biennial defence exhibition and conference, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. The 2027 edition runs 25-29 January 2027, co-located with NAVDEX (Naval Defence Exhibition) and featuring the International Defence Conference (IDC). In 2025, IDEX set a record with AED 25.15 billion in defence deals, attracting more than 1,565 exhibitors and 206,000 visitors from over 65 countries across 181,000 sqm of exhibition space.* --- ## Quick Facts | DATES | VENUE | ORGANISER | ATTENDANCE | |---|---|---|---| | **25-29 January 2027** | **ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi** | **Capital Events LLC** | **206,000+ visitors** | | 5 days, biennial | Abu Dhabi, UAE | Private events company | 1,565+ exhibitors, 65+ countries | --- ## Definition IDEX (International Defence Exhibition and Conference) is a biennial, five-day defence and security exhibition and conference held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in the UAE. It is organised by Capital Events LLC in association with the UAE Ministry of Defence and held under the patronage of the President of the UAE. Co-located with NAVDEX (the Naval Defence Exhibition) and the International Defence Conference (IDC), IDEX is the largest and most commercially significant defence event in the Middle East and among the top three in the world by deals signed. The 2027 edition, the 18th, will take place 25-29 January 2027. ## Origins and history IDEX was launched in 1993, the same year as IDET in Brno, reflecting a post-Cold War acceleration of international defence industry internationalisation. Established by the UAE Ministry of Defence as a platform to build Abu Dhabi's position as a hub of regional and global defence trade, the event has grown in every cycle. Early editions attracted a few hundred exhibitors; by 2017, deals exceeded AED 19 billion; by 2021, a pandemic year, deals still reached AED 21 billion; in 2023 there were 132,507 visitors and 1,353 exhibitors from 65 countries across 41 international pavilions. The 2025 edition surpassed all previous records with AED 25.15 billion in announced deals, the highest figure in the exhibition's 32-year history. ## The 2027 edition: building on a record year The 2027 edition follows the record-breaking 2025 show. Projected figures from the organiser indicate 1,565+ exhibitors and 206,000+ visitors from 65+ countries across more than 181,000 sqm of event space. Programme elements confirmed for 2027 include the International Defence Conference (IDC), IDEX and NAVDEX Talks, IDEX Future Labs, the Innovation Trail, a CBRNE Hub, IDEX NEXT_GEN (a youth and education programme), high-level roundtables, and a Start-up Zone. Stand booking is open as of mid-2026 via the online exhibitor portal. ## Where IDEX sits in the defence calendar IDEX opens the global defence calendar every odd-numbered year, occupying the last week of January. Its early-year slot means it sets the commercial tone for the entire defence industry year, with deal announcements and partnership agreements rippling through the sector for months. No other defence show combines IDEX's geographic reach (strong GCC, MENA, Asian, and Western representation), its live maritime and land demonstration capability, and its proximity to the UAE Armed Forces' procurement authority. NAVDEX, co-located since 2011, extends the event's reach into naval and maritime security, making the combined event the only venue where both land-system and maritime-system deals can be pursued in a single week. ## Who attends IDEX Exhibitors range from the world's largest prime contractors (Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Thales, EDGE Group, Leonardo, Rheinmetall) to SMEs and national pavilions representing government-linked defence industries. The UAE's EDGE Group is the strategic partner. Countries with significant pavilion presences include the USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Russia (historically), Turkey, South Korea, India, and Pakistan. Visitors include heads of state, ministers of defence, chiefs of armed forces, senior acquisition officials, and defence industry executives. GCC and MENA country representation is particularly strong, making IDEX the primary procurement interface for the regional armed forces. The Start-up Zone and Innovation Trail attract venture capital and dual-use technology firms. ## What the IDEX format includes IDEX is structured across 12 indoor exhibition halls at ADNEC covering 35,000+ sqm of indoor floor space, plus the Capital Plaza outdoor area featuring exhibitor stands, chalets, and outside equipment displays. Live demonstrations take place daily on purpose-built land tracks and on the water, allowing choreographed displays of armoured vehicles, naval vessels, aircraft, and unmanned systems. The International Defence Conference (IDC), organised separately at https://idc-uae.com, runs concurrently and brings together defence ministers, military chiefs, and senior policy-makers. IDEX Talks and NAVDEX Talks are shorter, seminar-format sessions focused on technology and operational themes. IDEX Future Labs (formerly IDEX Think Tank) hosts innovation showcases. A CBRNE Hub provides a dedicated zone for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives defence. ## What IDEX covers Core technology domains: land systems (armoured vehicles, artillery, logistics), naval systems (warships, submarines, patrol vessels, unmanned maritime systems), air systems (combat aircraft, UAVs, helicopters, air defence), C4ISR and communications, cyber and electronic warfare, CBRNE defence, space and intelligence systems, small arms and ammunition, and simulation and training. The Innovation Trail and Start-up Zone address emerging technologies including AI, autonomy, directed energy, and quantum. ## The 2025 edition in numbers *(organiser-declared)* | | | |---|---| | Deals signed | AED 25.15 billion (record) | | Exhibitors | 1,353 (IDEX 2023); 2025 figure not separately disclosed | | Projected exhibitors (2027) | 1,565+ | | Visitors (2023) | 132,507 | | Projected visitors (2027) | 206,000+ | | Participating countries | 65+ | | International pavilions | 41 (2023) | | Indoor exhibition halls | 12 | | Total event space | 181,000 sqm (projected 2027) | | Edition number (2027) | 18th | --- ## FAQ - Identity and audience ### Is IDEX open to the general public? IDEX is a professional trade event and is not open to the general public. Attendance requires prior registration, and some areas (live demonstrations, VIP lounges, government delegations sections) have restricted access. Visitors should register at https://www.idexuae.ae before arrival. ### What is NAVDEX and how does it relate to IDEX? NAVDEX (Naval Defence Exhibition and Conference) is a co-located event held simultaneously with IDEX at ADNEC, focused on naval vessels, maritime security, and undersea systems. A single registration covers both IDEX and NAVDEX. The combined event is marketed as IDEX & NAVDEX. NAVDEX has its own website at https://navdex.ae. ### Are live fire or live weapons demonstrations held at IDEX? Live demonstrations at IDEX and NAVDEX include dynamic displays of vehicles, aircraft, and naval vessels in purpose-built demonstration areas. The nature of live-fire activities in any given edition is determined by exhibitors and UAE authorities and may vary. Visitors should consult the official demonstration schedule. --- ## The venue: ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi ADNEC Centre (Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre) is located at Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE, approximately 10 km from Abu Dhabi city centre and 7 km from Abu Dhabi International Airport. It is one of the largest exhibition venues in the Middle East, offering over 165,000 sqm of event space for IDEX. The venue is directly accessible from Abu Dhabi International Airport via taxi or private transfer (approximately 15 minutes). An on-site hotel (Aloft Abu Dhabi) is adjacent to the venue. The Abu Dhabi Urban Mobility (ADUB) network provides public transport links. ADNEC is wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi government through ADQ. ## The organiser: Capital Events LLC Capital Events LLC is a Abu Dhabi-based event management company that organises IDEX, NAVDEX, and several other major exhibitions and conferences in the Middle East. It operates in association with the UAE Ministry of Defence and holds the exclusive mandate to organise IDEX under the patronage of the UAE President. Capital Events provides the full exhibitor service infrastructure including stand space allocation, logistics, accreditation, live demonstration coordination, and digital visitor services. Website: https://capitalevents.ae. --- ## Editorial take *IDEX is the single most consequential deal-making forum in the global defence calendar -- five days in Abu Dhabi where procurement decisions worth tens of billions of dirhams are announced under one roof.* --- ## How to register and what it costs Visitor registration is free of charge and available online at https://www.idexuae.ae. Exhibitors must apply for stand space via the official book-a-stand portal; stand pricing is not publicly listed and is negotiated directly with Capital Events. A sales brochure and floor plan are available for download from the exhibitor section of the website. Hotel bookings for the event are facilitated through the official hotel booking partner at https://events.tourism365.ae. Demand for accommodation during IDEX week is extremely high; early booking (12 months in advance) is strongly recommended. ## FAQ - Access and practicalities ### Do I need a visa to attend IDEX in Abu Dhabi? The UAE offers visa-on-arrival to citizens of many countries. Visitors from countries not on the visa-on-arrival list should apply through their nearest UAE embassy or via the UAE's official e-visa portal. Capital Events can provide official invitation letters upon request to support visa applications. ### What is the dress code at IDEX? Business attire is standard for the exhibition floor. UAE cultural norms apply; overly casual dress is not appropriate. In the outdoor demonstration areas, closed-toe shoes and sun protection are strongly recommended. January temperatures in Abu Dhabi are mild (average highs 24-26 degrees Celsius). ### Is IDEX covered by the official IDEX mobile app? Yes. Official apps for IDEX and NAVDEX are available for iOS and Android. The apps provide real-time floor plans, exhibitor directories, demonstration schedules, and conference programmes. --- ## First time at IDEX? How to prepare - **Register early and sort accommodation immediately.** Visitor registration is free but hotel rooms in Abu Dhabi fill months in advance during IDEX week. Use the official hotel booking service linked from the IDEX website, or book independently as soon as your attendance is confirmed. - **Plan by zone and priority, not by hall number.** With 12 indoor halls, the Capital Plaza outdoor area, a live demonstration track, and NAVDEX running simultaneously, the event is too large to cover without a plan. Use the interactive floor map (map.idexuae.ae) to identify must-visit stands before you arrive. - **Attend the International Defence Conference (IDC) if your interest is strategic or policy-oriented.** The IDC runs concurrently at a separate conference venue and features ministers, chiefs of staff, and senior officials; it requires separate registration at https://idc-uae.com. - **Arrive early for live demonstrations.** The purpose-built land tracks and water demonstrations are popular and timed. Check the daily demonstration schedule on arrival and position yourself accordingly; viewing spots for featured systems fill quickly. - **Carry business cards in quantity.** IDEX is an intensely networked event where informal encounters on the exhibition floor lead to substantive meetings. A brief, clear elevator pitch about your organisation's capabilities or interest is essential in this environment. - **Respect UAE cultural norms and security protocols.** Photography of certain systems or areas may be restricted; follow guidance from exhibitors and security personnel. Dress modestly, particularly in delegations and conference areas, and be aware that Friday is a rest day in the UAE (IDEX runs Monday to Friday in 2027). --- ## Resources | Resource | URL | |---|---| | Official website | https://www.idexuae.ae | | NAVDEX website | https://navdex.ae | | LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/idex-uae/ | | X | https://twitter.com/idex_uae | | Register | https://www.idexuae.ae/visit/who-visits/ | | IDC (conference) | https://idc-uae.com | | Floor plan | https://map.idexuae.ae | --- **Last verified:** 2026-06-10 **Next review:** 2026-08-10 **Notes:** Deal figures (AED 25.15 billion) are organiser-declared for 2025 edition. Projected 2027 figures (1,565+ exhibitors, 206,000+ visitors, 181,000 sqm) are from organiser marketing materials; actual post-event figures will differ. Visitor data for 2025 edition not separately published as of verification date; 2023 figure (132,507) used for historical reference. Sources: idexuae.ae About page (fetched 2026-06-10), defenseadvancement.com/events/idex, Wikipedia/International Defence Exhibition. **Variables:** 48/58 **Concept definition:** applicable