Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi has welcomed warships from around the world at the ADNEC Marina in preparation for the eighth edition of the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2025, taking place from 17 to 21 February 2025. Held alongside the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX), NAVDEX 2025 is organised by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council, under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
According to Emirates News Agency, this year’s event will feature an exceptional display of naval fleets from eight nations, including the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman, the United Kingdom, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Hellenic Republic (Greece), the Republic of Korea (South Korea), and the Republic of India.
Commodore Rashed Ibrahim Rashed Al-Muhaisni, Chairman of the Maritime Committee of NAVDEX, expressed pride in hosting thousands of high-profile figures and decision-makers from arou
nd the world who are gathering to participate in IDEX and NAVDEX. He explained that this edition will witness the launch of several warships for the UAE Armed Forces, with participation from 21 vessels from allied and friendly nations, including newly manufactured ships showcasing advanced technologies of the Emirati defence industry.
Participants will have the opportunity to display various vessels of different sizes and demonstrate their capabilities at the NAVDEX live demonstration area, a dedicated marine platform, as well as at Mina Zayed, which will host larger ships. This edition marks a transformative leap in international and local participation, showcasing defence and security technologies.
Saeed Al Mansoori, Defence Events Advisor at ADNEC Group, noted that the current edition of NAVDEX has become a leading platform for showcasing innovations in naval defence and security. He emphasised that the expansion of exhibition space, the increase in participating companies, and the display of technologie
s by various nations reaffirm Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for the defence industry.
Event organisers welcomed the first batch of naval vessels as they passed through the waterway towards the ADNEC Marina, featuring a range of ships in terms of size and purpose. Additionally, Mina Zayed has received several other naval vessels participating in NAVDEX 2025, further expanding the global presence of this event.
NAVDEX serves as a dedicated platform for the maritime defence and security sector, providing participants with opportunities for strategic collaboration, knowledge exchange, and showcasing the latest maritime technologies. The eighth edition will also feature NAVDEX Talks, a series of lectures and panel discussions where experts and specialists will explore emerging trends and advancements in naval defence technology.
Exhibitors will have a unique opportunity to display their vessels in a dedicated waterborne exhibition area, where ships can be moored at the temporary marina equipped with floa
ting docks. NAVDEX 2025 will present a curated daily schedule of live demonstrations, many led by exhibitors themselves, providing an engaging experience for visitors. Guests at the grandstand overlooking the waterfront will have a front-row view of the latest maritime technologies in action.
NAVDEX 2025 will bring together a distinguished gathering of global industry leaders, decision-makers, influencers, and maritime defence experts, shaping the future of the vital naval defence sector.