Represented by Mr. Bitto – Senior Business Development Manager and Mr. Roshmon – VP Sales and Marketing of the Sales and Marketing Team, Team CSS attended the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX). Hosted under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the event was held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre – ADNEC, Abu Dhabi from February 21st – 25th, 2021.
CSS decided to be part of this path-breaking event in line with its growing capability in handling defense cargo. Over the past year, we have a proven track record of successfully providing logistical support to mission-critical projects across the region. Our reliable and strategic logistics have gained us a reputation in defense shipments, and we continue to build our capability in this arena.
UAE – A critical role in the global defense industry
His Excellency Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs in the UAE, inaugurated the conference. His Excellency highlighted how the UAE plays a critical role in advancing global defense industries. Subsequently, four main sessions were held, with the participation of a group of Emirati and international figures specializing in defense affairs, advanced technology, and the fourth industrial revolution.
Both local and international participants attended the five-day events. The event was a huge success, especially as it is the first global defense event during post-pandemic times. Strictly adhering to COVID protocols, the event was attended by 62,445 attendees at the venue across five days. There were 900 exhibitors, 59 countries, and 35 international pavilions at the IDEX and NAVDEX 2021. With five new countries participants – Israel, North Macedonia, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Azerbaijan, there has been an estimated USD 5.7 billion worth of deals that the UAE Armed Forces inked.
An exceptional event
The closing ceremony of the events was held in the esteemed presence of His Excellency Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee for IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions, and His Excellency Major General Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Muhammad Al Balushi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industries and Development of Defence Capabilities at the Ministry of Defense, Vice Chairman of the Supreme Committee, and Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company ADNEC and its group of companies.
Commenting on the conclusion of the exhibitions, His Excellency Major General Staff Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, said, “The 15th edition of the IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions has been nothing short of exceptional. These events continue to strengthen their global position, providing exhibitors and participants from around the world with an integrated global platform, despite the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. IDEX and NAVDEX drive and enable innovation, in line with the rapid development of the fourth industrial revolution.”
He emphasized that these exhibitions’ success has been rooted in the stalwart and visionary support of UAE’s wise leadership. It is their confidence that has enabled the committee to host the world in Abu Dhabi.
With 2021 marking the Golden Jubilee Year of the foundation of the United Arab Emirates, the committee has a renewed commitment to cultivate and expand the nation’s defense infrastructure and technological systems, using them to ensure security and peace across the Middle East.
His Excellency explained at length the strict implementation of all precautionary protocols to ensure the health and safety of all participants, exhibitors, and visitors. IDEX and NAVDEX have also provided a boost to the tourism sector. These exhibitions ensure that UAE products are globally competitively, both meeting the nation’s needs alongside reaching new markets.
Mr. Bitto spoke on attending this landmark event, “With several high-value deals being sealed during the exhibitions, CSS can play a pivotal role in providing reliable and trustworthy supply chain management services to both local and international clients.”
Echoing his words, Mr. Roshmon concluded, “CSS’s logistics capability and successful track record will help us provide optimal solutions for challenging and complex defense cargo movements in the region and beyond.”