Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2025) and the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX 2025) focus on innovation, particularly through the Next Gen initiative, which offers startup companies a platform to showcase their products, said Lt. Col. Pilot Lateefa Alzaidi, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense (MOD).
Speaking to Aletihad, Alzaidi said the IDEX Innovation Trail sheds light on advancements in defence technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous vehicles.
"Technologies have to go through the scientific research phase, development, and testing to meet the highest safety standards," she added.
Furthermore, AlZaidi pointed out the introduction of the CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives) Hub, which addresses regional threats related to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive hazards.
The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the IDEX Exhibition Management, has launched the CBRNE field, which provides a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders and discuss the latest innovations and solutions to combat CBRNE threats.
AlZaidi also highlighted the UAE's vital role in regional and global peace efforts, stating: "The UAE plays a vital role in those missions, evident in the participation of all governmental bodies and the Ministry of Defense in events and humanitarian aid around the world."
Zaina Al Dhaheri, Captain Engineer of the Chemical Defence Command, MOD, also spoke to Aletihad about the CBRNE Hub.
"For the first time, CBRNE has been launched at IDEX 2025. It is a platform that gathers all global leaders and expertise and specialised companies under one roof to showcase cutting-edge technologies, innovations, and solutions regarding the field of CBRNE," she said.
She highlighted the event's inclusion of lectures, workshops, and discussions on emerging techniques, such as artificial intelligence and unmanned systems.
"Over 35 companies, national and international, from over 13 countries, are participating today," she added.
