Under the esteemed patronage of Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the International Defense Conference 2025 commenced under the theme “Defense Reimagined: Innovation, Integration and Resilience”.
Bringing together defense and security leaders, experts, and industry players from around the world, the conference provides a critical platform to discuss the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the sector. It is stated that it reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to fostering dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in the evolving global defense landscape.
The conference was officially inaugurated by Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Fadel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defense Affairs, who highlighted that since its launch in 1993, IDEX has become a cornerstone of the global defense industry, directly supporting the UAE’s ambition to lead in this sector.
He also noted that NAVDEX serves as a testament to the UAE’s focus on innovation and sustainable security, inspiring new approaches to addressing global defense challenges.
He emphasized that the conference creates a unique forum for governments, industry leaders, and experts to align on shared security priorities. This year, with 366 international delegations in attendance, the conference underscores the world’s growing confidence in the UAE as a hub for defense collaboration. Discussions will address critical global security concerns, including cybersecurity, space security, and defense preparedness, exploring practical solutions to enhance global resilience.
Closing his address, he stated: “The UAE has set an inspiring example of what nations can achieve through responsible leadership, confident governance, and openness to the world.”
The opening ceremony was attended by Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee for IDEX and NAVDEX 2025, Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Sultan Rashid Ali Al Shamsi, Advisor at the Presidential Court, Dr. Nasser Hamid Al Nuaimi, Secretary-General of Tawazun Council, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Ali, CEO of Trends Research & Advisory, James Morse, President of Rabdan Academy, Major General Dr. Mubarak Saeed Ghafan Al Jabri, Deputy Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee and Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group.
Also in attendance were 55 heads of military delegations, 40 CEOs of leading defense companies, 48 ambassadors and diplomatic representatives, and 65 military attachés, in addition to representatives from military academies and both local and international universities.
Organized by ADNEC Group, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense and Tawazun Council, the International Defense Conference 2025 runs alongside IDEX and NAVDEX at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. This year’s edition has drawn over 1,800 industry experts and specialists.
The conference featured three key panel sessions including Global Disruptions and Defense Preparedness: Mitigating Threats to Critical Supply Chains, Disinformation and Influence Operations: The Weaponization of Information in Modern Conflicts and The Sky is No Longer the Limit: Emerging Threats and Opportunities in Space
The opening session, "Global Disruptions and Defense Preparedness: Mitigating Threats to Critical Supply Chains," featured Dr. Nasser Hamid Al Nuaimi, Secretary-General of Tawazun Council, who highlighted the vulnerabilities in global supply chains, noting that disruptions and conflicts have profound impacts on global security and production sectors.
He emphasized that trade routes serve as the backbone of defense logistics, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of essential materials and equipment. He pointed out that geopolitical tensions, economic instability, and policy shifts can severely impact supply chains, causing delays in production and procurement.
To navigate these challenges, he stressed the need for resilient defense industries through a balanced approach of local production, regional partnerships, and international cooperation. The session also explored international collaboration in defense innovation, emerging technological solutions for supply chain resilience, and the role of start-ups in strengthening global supply chains.
The second session, "Disinformation and Influence Operations: The Weaponization of Information in Modern Conflicts," featured Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE, who stated that modern warfare has expanded beyond land, sea, and air to include cyberspace.
He highlighted the UAE’s strategic approach to cybersecurity, positioning the nation as a digitally advanced and resilient state. He explained that cyber threats, misinformation, and AI-driven deepfakes pose significant risks to national security, with malicious actors increasingly using social engineering and disinformation as weapons.
The discussion covered the evolving nature of cyber warfare, the role of AI in misinformation campaigns, and strategies for strengthening cybersecurity policies.
The final session, "The Sky is No Longer the Limit: Emerging Threats and Opportunities in Space," featured Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, who highlighted the growing significance of space technology in modern defense.
He noted that satellites and space-based systems have become invaluable assets, aiding in climate monitoring, global communications, and humanitarian efforts. With advancements in space technology, opportunities are emerging in satellite-based defense, space tourism, asteroid mining, and even off-planet manufacturing.
He emphasized that investments in space innovation today lay the groundwork for future industries, and that nations committed to space exploration not only chart new scientific frontiers but also drive economic growth and technological advancement.
He stressed that the UAE’s leadership in global space partnerships demonstrates how nations can become key players on the world stage, advocating for collaboration over competition, unity over division, and shared progress over isolated achievements.
The conference concluded with a group photo of speakers and participants, including Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, marking a milestone in expanding global dialogue on defense, security, and technological innovation.
This year’s conference also featured a hybrid participation model, enabling virtual attendees from around the world to engage in discussions, ensuring broader accessibility and participation in shaping the future of global defense.