ABU DHABI - The largest defense equipment exhibition in the Middle East opened in the United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi on Feb. 20, as military spending continues to grow in the region amid rising tensions.
The International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2011 opened with a parade of helicopters, fighter jets and armoured vehicles, in the presence of UAE Prime Minister and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed al-Maktoum.
The 10th edition of the biennial show is taking place as the region is hit by a wave of protests that toppled veteran leaders in Tunisia and Egypt and threatens other regimes.
The conference, which will continue until Feb. 24, hosts more than 1,000 exhibitors. Nearly 50,000 visitors are expected from around the world.
More than 30 pavilions most of them belonging to the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Britain, France and Germany, were spread over 124,000 square meters (0.05 square miles).
A naval defense industries exhibition, Navdex, is being organized for the first time this year.
Manufacturers worldwide are racing to seal contracts with Gulf states, who are fearful of Iran and possessing spending power buoyed by high oil prices.
The six Gulf Cooperation Council countries - Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait - along with Jordan are set to spend $68 billion on defense in 2011, according to research firm Frost & Sullivan. Their spending is expected to reach nearly $80 billion in 2015.
Sheik Mohammed shakes hands with executives from Lockheed Martin and Boeing at IDEX 2009. The 2011 edition of the show opened Feb. 20 in Abu Dhabi. (Staff file photo)
The 10th edition of the biennial show is taking place as the region is hit by a wave of protests that toppled veteran leaders in Tunisia and Egypt and threatens other regimes.
The conference, which will continue until Feb. 24, hosts more than 1,000 exhibitors. Nearly 50,000 visitors are expected from around the world.
More than 30 pavilions most of them belonging to the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Britain, France and Germany, were spread over 124,000 square meters (0.05 square miles).
A naval defense industries exhibition, Navdex, is being organized for the first time this year.
Manufacturers worldwide are racing to seal contracts with Gulf states, who are fearful of Iran and possessing spending power buoyed by high oil prices.
The six Gulf Cooperation Council countries - Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait - along with Jordan are set to spend $68 billion on defense in 2011, according to research firm Frost & Sullivan. Their spending is expected to reach nearly $80 billion in 2015.
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