The expo, held under the patronage of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, puts the latest technology across land, sea and air sectors of defense on display. It is a unique platform to establish and strengthen relationships with government departments, businesses and armed forces throughout the region.
The five-day-long biennial arms and defense technology sales exhibition is organized with the full support of the UAE Armed Forces and includes indoor exhibitions, with thousands of local and international defense manufacturers and contractors taking part, as well as outdoor displays and live demonstrations.
Flames and smoke fill the air during a military show at the opening ceremony of the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2017) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 19, 2017.
A visitor takes a look at some of the munitions on display during IDEX 2017 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 19, 2017.
Emirati armed forces show their skills during a military show at the opening of IDEX 2017 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 19, 2017.
Aircraft perform during a military show at the opening ceremony of IDEX 2017 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 19, 2017.
Emirati armed forces show their skills during a military show at the opening of IDEX 2017 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 19, 2017.
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© AP Photo / Jon Gambrell
A cleaner sweeps the floor in front of a Rheinmetall MBT tank at IDEX 2017, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 19, 2017.
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© AP Photo / Jon Gambrell
Young Emirati girls dance at the start of IDEX 2017, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 19, 2017.
Emirati armed forces show their skills during a military show at the opening of IDEX 2017 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 19, 2017.
A man sits in a vehicle on display during IDEX 2017 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 19, 2017.
Soldiers of the Russian Presidential Regiment perform during a military show at the opening of IDEX 2017 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 19, 2017.
Emirati armed forces show their skills during a military show at the opening of IDEX 2017 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 19, 2017.
Visitors look round some of the vehicles on display during IDEX 2017 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 19, 2017.
Participants take part in a military show at the opening ceremony of IDEX 2017 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 19, 2017.
Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid al-Maktoum (C), Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir (C-R), and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan (C-L) arrive for the opening of IDEX 2017 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 19, 2017.
Members of the Emirates forces demonstrate their skills during a military show at the opening ceremony of IDEX 2017 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 19, 2017.
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© AP Photo / Jon Gambrell
A mannequin holding a rifle and wearing fatigues bearing the Emirati flag is on display at IDEX 2017, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 19, 2017.
Emirati armed forces show their skills during a military show at the opening of IDEX 2017 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 19, 2017.
Emirati armed forces show their skills during a military show at the opening of IDEX 2017 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 19, 2017.
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© AP Photo / Jon Gambrell
Emirati military personnel wait for the beginning of demonstration at IDEX 2017 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 19, 2017.
