Spectacular start to Idex 2003

ABU DHABI - The Sixth International Defence Exhibition, Idex 2003, marked a brilliant start yesterday, despite fears of a looming war in the region. The show was inaugurated by Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, in the presence of King Abdullah of Jordan, General Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Makhtoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister and Lieutenant-General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of Staff of UAE Armed Forces.

By Syed Qamar Hasan

Published: Mon 17 Mar 2003, 11:26 AM

Last updated: Wed 1 Apr 2015, 10:54 PM

The five-day biennial event has attracted 825 companies from 46 countries, with the UK having the largest contingent.

The opening ceremony was marked by a spectacular demonstration of wheeled and tracked vehicles, guard of honour presented in traditional style by Bedouins dressed in white robes and a march by horsemen carrying flags of participating countries.

Saeed Saif bin Jabber Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Vice-Chairman of General Exhibition Corporation (GEO), the organisers of Idex, said in his inaugural address, "It is obvious that Idex has come to stay as biggest show in the world in terms of size and scope, an event that many countries have taken part despite the prevailing tension in the region." He said Idex 2003 has attracted more participants than the previous show registering a 22 per cent increase in volume.

Mr Suwaidi pointed out that 825 companies from 46 countries were participating in the show apart from local companies with 37 countries hosting their military hardware in pavilions. He said Idex was unique in several ways with indoor and outdoor displays, live firing demonstrations and naval demonstrations.

Twelve warships, including an aircraft carrier, are taking part in the naval demonstration. India, Pakistan, Italy, the UK, France and the Netherlands are some of the countries whose naval ships are docked at the Mina Zayed.

Shaikh Khalifa and King Abdullah later toured the sprawling exhibition at the General Exhibition Grounds on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi where the military hardware are on display.

They also visited the Jordan stand and inspected the King Abdullah Design and Development Bureau, which is displaying its latest tank upgrade programme, Phoenix.

General Shaikh Mohammed, accompanied by Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Makhtoum, Chairman of Emirates airline, also toured the exhibition. They also visited the US pavilion and was received by Marcella Wahba, US ambassador to the UAE.