Abu Dhabi, 1 February 2024 – The UAE National Pavilion, organized by the Emirates Defense Companies Council (EDCC) with support from the UAE Ministry of Defense and Tawazun Council, will showcase innovative defense, aerospace, and security products and solutions at the second edition of the World Defense Show.
The show will be held in Riyadh from 4th to 8th February 2024 and is organized by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI).
The Pavilion will feature prominent EDCC members, including EDGE Group, CALIDUS, Al Yah Satellite Communications Company, National Factory for Safety and Security Products, and Al Seer Marine, to display over 150 innovative products manufactured in the UAE. It will also have a stand for Al Jundi Journal, a military and cultural magazine issued by the Ministry of Defense, and Capital Events to promote the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2025).
Hosted under the theme “Equipped For Tomorrow”, the World Defense Show stands out as a key defense exhibition focusing on the future of the defense industry and displaying the latest technologies.
Mona Ahmed Al Jaber, Chairwoman of the EDCC, highlighted the remarkable collaborative model between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the strong commitment to strengthening strategic relationships with key partners.
She added, “Our participation reflects the strength of the exceptional collaboration model between the UAE and Saudi Arabia and the robust ties binding the two countries and is a testament to our unwavering relationship.”
“The National Pavilion provides an opportunity to highlight the UAE’s leading defense industries and advanced solutions and systems. The Council aims to enhance cooperation, explore investment opportunities, broaden communication channels among interested parties, and empower defense companies to exchange ideas and expertise in the defense industry,” Al Jaber added.
“We look forward to leveraging capabilities in the defense industry, which will be accomplished through an integrated foundation of various specialist national companies. Through this, we hope to introduce business opportunities to local companies and promote their products.” Al Jaber said.
Khalifa Al Balushi, CEO of Calidus – a member of the EDCC reaffirmed the company’s commitment to showcasing sophisticated defense products and solutions through specialized exhibitions.
“This is intended to foster collaboration, highlight progress in the defense industries, and explore opportunities for partnerships and exchanging experiences among diverse stakeholders at both regional and international levels,” he said.
He indicated that ‘Calidus’ is considered one of the leading Emirati companies in the field of defense technology development, specializing in manufacturing aircraft for various missions and purposes such as close air support (CAS), intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), basic and advanced training, in addition to the manufacturing and production of ground combat 8×8 and 4×4 vehicles designated for multi-purpose defense use.
The inaugural edition of the World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia in 2022 featured 600 exhibitors from 42 countries, 100 official international delegations, and 65,000 visitors. The exhibition witnessed the signing of defense and military procurement deals worth around US$7.9 billion.
