Saudi Arabia is participating in the Idex International Defense Exhibition and Conference 2017, being held in Abu Dhabi from Sunday through Thursday.
Abdullah Al-Meleihi, a board member of the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CSCCI), said some 25 companies were representing the Kingdom in the five-day military exhibition.
Idex, which is held once every two years, is the biggest military exhibition in the Middle East, with 1,235 companies from 57 countries participating this year.
“Based on the situation in the Middle East, there’s a demand from different countries for military equipment,” Al-Meleihi told Arab News from Abu Dhabi, adding that top officials from different countries, including defense ministers, are expected at the exhibition.
He said international firms will present new technology in the military and security fields.
The Kingdom has invested in military equipment, and as part of Vision 2030 it aims to bring home know-how and is “looking to assemble and manufacture military equipment locally,” he added.
Al-Meleihi, who is also president of Al-Ramez International Group, said this would generate local employment opportunities and thus bolster the government’s Saudization program.
He said that the organizer expects the exhibition to generate more than $5 billion in business.
