Skip to main content

UAE's IDEX weapons fair brings in Russia, China, and billion-dollar deals

The United Arab Emirates’ defense expenditure amounted to $22.5 billion last year and is expected to reach $28.6 billion by 2027. 

Russia's Rosoboronexport displayed more than 200 combat-tested weapons at an isolated pavilion.
Russia's Rosoboronexport displayed more than 200 combat-tested weapons at an isolated pavilion. — Ryan LIM

DUBAI — Abu Dhabi’s biennial weapons exhibition generated billions of dollars in military product and technology agreements after the fifth and final day of the event on Friday, which saw both political allies and rivals showcasing their offerings in the neutral-standing UAE capital marketplace. 

About $5.46 billion in total deals were signed during the first four days of the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defense Exhibition (NAVDEX) in 2023, according to the UAE’s government news agency WAM. 

Related Topics

Subscribe for unlimited access

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more

$14 monthly or $100 annually ($8.33/month)
OR

Continue reading this article for free

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more.

By signing up, you agree to Al-Monitor’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Already have an account? Log in