DOD PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL DEFENSE EXHIBITION (IDEX

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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL AE
SUBJECT: DOD PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL DEFENSE EXHIBITION (IDEX
2011)


1. Embassy Abu Dhabi recommends DOD direct participation in the Tenth
Biannual International Defense Exhibition (IDEX 2011) which will be
held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 20 ?????? 24 February 2011
at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Center. IDEX 2011 is the
tenth in the IDEX series and will consist of diverse defense
exhibitions. Representation from 80 official country delegations is
expected.

2. IDEX offers an outstanding venue every two years to promote our
National Security objectives in the region and provide direct support
to the U.S. Defense Industry. DOD participation visibly demonstrates
the US Government??????s commitment to presence in the region and
contributes to regional stability and the legitimate defense needs of
our friends and allies. The military defense equipment displayed at
the show highlights our superb capability to conduct military
operations and demonstrates the superiority of US technology. IDEX
and other shows like it have proven to be excellent forums to promote
standardization and interoperability through Foreign Military Sales
and Military-to-Military contacts with our coalition partners in the
region. Additionally , DOD acquisition personnel and US Industry
representatives are afforded a unique opportunity to engage
counterparts from allied countries in discussions related to
International Cooperative Research, Development, Production and
Logistics Support Programs. Lastly, DOD participation demonstrates
active pursuit of US Commercial and Economic Security objectives.
Without active USG support, US Industry often finds itself at a
disadvantage when competing against foreign firms that operate under
far fewer government restrictions and may be either nationalized or
receive substantial government subsidies.


3. IDEX 2011 will follow the same format as previous IDEXs, with
Land, Sea and Air Defense demonstrations and static displays. IDEX
2011 will consist of diverse events and provides both exhibitors and
visitors with excellent services and expertise. IDEX 2011 is
organized by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company (ADNEC). It
is supported by a professional board of directors and personnel from
all government sectors in Abu Dhabi. The superb exhibition
facilities include more than 100k SQ meters of indoor and 12k SQ
meters of outdoor exhibit space, an 800-seat conference hall, a 100k
DQ meter Mobility Demonstration Area, A Marine Demonstration Area for
Small Craft and Helicopters; a Naval Berthing Area, and a Live Fire
Demonstration Area at the Maqta Range a short drive from the IDEX
site that is used for Light Weapons, Artillery and Missiles with
Ranges up to 25 KM.


4. IDEX plays a key role in one of the world??????s important and
emerging markets??????The Middle East/Arabian Gulf and Asia, an area
expected to account for a high percentage of World Defense Purchases
for the foreseeable future. Member of the Gulf Cooperative Council
alone are forecast to spend billions of dollars of defense equipment,
and IDEX is ideally placed to target this market.


5. UAE authorities assessed IDEX 2009 as a major success by
attracting 1,000 companies from 70 countries. It was attended by 60
official delegations, including Defense Ministers, Chiefs of Staff
and over 60,000 visitors.


6. Embassy stands ready to support DOD participation as desired.


Please forward questions to USLO POCs Maj Harry Epperson and Maj
Sharief Fahmy, COMTel *971-2-414-2311.
OLSON