ADNEC Group has announced that STREIT Group, a leading UAE defence technology manufacturer, will be a Diamond Sponsor of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and Naval Defence & Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2025. Set to be held from 17-21 February 2025 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi and organised by ADNEC Group in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council, IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 will offer a premier global gathering of the defence and security sectors. In the presence of many senior government decision-makers, diplomats and elite international companies, innovators and businesses attending the exhibition will be able to connect with investors, network with executives, and form new partnerships.

With a core focus on innovation and thought leadership, the exhibitions will see the return of key features such as IDEX NEXT_GEN, a dedicated platform for global startups, and IDEX THINK_TANK, which will convene leading defence and security experts from around the world for high-level discussions on critical topics. The IDEX Talks and NAVDEX Talks will also return to host thought leaders, policymakers, influencers, researchers, and futurists to exchange insights on the new products and disruptive technologies that will shape the future of the sector.

As a leading provider of advanced defence systems and expertise for more than thirty-two years, STREIT Group has built a global presence at the forefront of innovation in the industry across land, sea, and air domains. With a highly skilled workforce of over 1,200 professionals worldwide, the Group specialises in the production of armoured personnel carriers, MRAPs, MAVs, and LAMVs, along with fortified boats and integrated marine technologies that ensure comprehensive defence solutions. These platforms are complemented by advanced systems such as UAVs, UGVs, and robotics developed according to the highest global industry standards.

Saeed Al Mansoori, Advisor of Military & Defence Shows at ADNEC Group, said: “ADNEC Group is very proud to announce our prestigious partnership with STREIT Group as a Diamond Sponsor. The IDEX and NAVIDEX 2025 exhibitions are set to be the largest so far and will offer an unparalleled opportunity to engage with ground-breaking technologies, seal new business partnerships, and joining enriching discussions shaping the future of the defence and security industry. With STREIT Group being a shining example of how UAE companies are leading global innovation in the sector, our new partnership is committed to serving our leadership’s vision of embracing cutting-edge technologies to bolster national security and foster sustainable growth to benefit the generations to come.”

Guerman Goutorov, The Chairman of STREIT Group, said: “STREIT Group is proud to be a Diamond Sponsor of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025, the events that exemplify global excellence in the defence and security sectors. Over the past three decades, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to innovation, advancing technologies, and quality products that address the evolving challenges of modern protection.

We are extremely proud to be headquartered here in the UAE and partnering with ADNEC Group aligns perfectly with our aim to support the country. Our mission for this year’s landmark exhibitions is to deliver cutting-edge solutions while fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing on a global stage. We look forward to showcasing our latest advancements and forging meaningful partnerships at these world-class events.”

The hugely successful 16th edition of IDEX and 7th edition of NAVDEX in 2023 welcomed 132,507 attendees to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Across the platforms offered by both events, 41 international pavilions were hosted and total of 1,353 exhibitors from 65 countries took part. New features included the inaugural edition of IDEX NEXT_GEN, which provided a platform for more than 100 startups drawn from around the world, and the IDEX THINK_TANK with a series of sessions moderated by exclusive partners that generated exclusive strategic white papers.

LEAP has announced the return of its revamped fourth edition, set to take place from February 9 to 12 at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Centre in Malham. Under the theme ‘Into New Worlds,’ LEAP 2025 marks the pioneering tech event’s first ticketed edition, aiming to attract a higher percentage of influential industry attendees to boost business networking and investment opportunities across the technology landscape.

Co-organized by Tahaluf and the Ministry for Communications and Information Technology (MCIT)—a joint venture between Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund—LEAP 2025 promises advanced features. These include a new series of ‘LEAP Nights’ activities, the return of DeepFest, a dedicated Tech Arena, a SportsTech Track, and a commitment to fostering innovation across multiple sectors such as space, gaming, education, and smart cities, spread over 20 stages.

Tahaluf anticipates the fourth edition will see a significant increase in valuable interactions between exhibitors and visitors, with LEAP 2025 guests engaging with more than 680 start-ups, over 1,000 expert speakers, and over 1,800 global tech brands. LEAP 2025 is set to offer attendees more exclusive experiences, with a focus on connecting the right people with the latest and most exciting technologies.

A brand new SportsTech Track will merge the world of sports with cutting-edge tech trends. Attendees can step into the future of sports through live demos, industry announcements, and the latest innovations from clubs, industry leaders, and sector pioneers. Notable speakers include Patrice Evra, successful entrepreneur and former Manchester United forward, and Mathieu Pierre Flamini, former French professional footballer and co-founder of GF Biochemicals.

Another new addition to LEAP 2025 is the Tech Arena, where attendees can witness live product demos, get hands-on with prototypes, and see groundbreaking technology in action. This arena will feature a lineup of interactive engagements, connecting participants directly with tomorrow’s breakthrough technologies and innovations.

The Startup Stage at LEAP 2025 will shine a spotlight on the brightest innovators and startups. Whether pitching, networking, or exploring attendees will find the Startup Stage to be the place where ideas take flight and the future of tech unfolds. Expanding beyond the convention halls, LEAP 2025 introduces LEAP Nights. Attendees can immerse themselves in Riyadh’s vibrant cultural scene with an exciting lineup of dinners, meetups, and live entertainment. LEAP Nights will provide the perfect backdrop for networking, socializing, and soaking in the city’s energy while forging new connections across the global tech community.

LEAP 2025 will also feature enhanced matchmaking, investor-to-investor workshops, and more mentorship sessions. Attendees can join LEAP’s investor and startup ecosystem, bringing over 1,500 global investors and startups to Riyadh. The Investor Program includes dedicated lounges, an exclusive area for investors to connect with General Partners, Limited Partners, Funds of Funds, and a matchmaking zone with personalized networking spaces.

LEAP 2025 boasts an impressive lineup of notable international figures. Confirmed attendees include Ken Kutaragi, former Chairman and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, coinciding with PlayStation’s 30th anniversary on December 4th; Javier Tebas, President of LA LIGA, Spain’s professional football league; Connie Chan, General Partner of Andreessen Horowitz; and Andrea Vena, Chief Climate and Sustainability Officer of the European Space Agency.

The event will also welcome back familiar guest speakers and global technology leaders, such as Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM, who attended last year. Previous LEAP editions have featured renowned tech experts like Eric Yuan, Founder and CEO of Zoom Video Communications; Shou Chew, CEO of TikTok; and Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer of Google and renowned tech commentator.

Attendees can anticipate more high-calibre speakers and exhibitors as LEAP continues to solidify its reputation as the premier venue for connecting technology thought leaders and pioneers. With 75 per cent of conference speakers travelling to Saudi Arabia to participate, LEAP promises to be a significant event in the global tech calendar.

His Excellency Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized LEAP’s role in defining the Kingdom’s future, saying, “LEAP has made an outstanding contribution to the realisation of the Saudi Vision 2030 goals and has rightly positioned the country as a global technology hub. The decision to move to a ticketed format this year makes LEAP more of an exclusive experience for attendees and relevant to today’s global technology elite. LEAP 2025 will showcase exceptional technology innovations, business opportunities and content – ensuring Saudi Arabia becomes the world’s undisputed technology aggregator.”

Faisal Alkhamisi, Chairman of the SAFCP, said the new LEAP 2025 initiatives reflected the event’s role in mirroring the rapid pace of tech industry developments and hinted at even more to come. “Over the past three years, LEAP has evolved at a rocket-fuelled pace, playing a critical role in nurturing talent, creativity, and investment. Yet, this is just the beginning. LEAP will continue to reflect the ever-changing tech landscape and inspire pioneers from across the globe,” Alkhamisi added.

Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, Saudi Arabia’s largest B2B event organiser and organiser of iconic brands LEAP, Cityscape, and Black Hat MEA, explained, “By transforming LEAP, we are creating a more curated experience. Transitioning to a ticketed model will allow exhibitors and participants to benefit from direct access to a highly engaged and laser-focused audience, leading to more meaningful collaborations and business opportunities. This change reflects our commitment to delivering an event that continues to set the gold standard for tech innovation globally. In the space of just three years, LEAP delivered an incredibly public and private onsite investment totalling more than $27.5 billion, set ever higher benchmarks for tech events worldwide, and delivered the economic impact that stretched well beyond the exhibition and conference floors. With our new strategically focussed format, we expect to accelerate the investment stream and supercharge innovation.”

Taking place from 13-14 November 2024 at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, SIBEC 2024 is set to draw hundreds of fire and life safety experts from across the globe. Organized by SIBCA, a leading fire, life safety, and ICT solutions provider in UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, SIBEC is a dynamic platform created to encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange on sustainable development and enhancing safety across the MENA region.

Taking place this year under the theme ‘Innovation that Keeps You Safe,’ the comprehensive two-day program is designed to advance fire and life safety innovations, including in the building management system (BMS), extra-low voltage (ELV), audiovisual (AV), heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and information and communication technologies (ICT) sectors. The 2024 edition of the show will spotlight cutting-edge solutions driven by AI and IoT technologies in smart building systems, as well as the use of data analytics to proactively manage risks, underscoring the importance of leveraging innovation to enhance safety and sustainability across the MENA region.

Hosted with the support of 30 vital industry partners such as NFPA, UL Solutions, Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Huawei, ABB, Excel Networking, Pelco by Motorola, AWEX, TTK, Doncaster, Dahua, Hanwha, the event will feature high-level presentations, panel discussions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities for senior management and decision-makers, as well as offering training and workshops for technical staff and engineers to deepen their understanding of the current market trends and industry requirements.

SIBEC is also pleased to announce the establishment of the Trainovation Fire and Safety Academy Center in Abu Dhabi. Launched in partnership with the NFPA, the new academy will provide NFPA-certified training for professionals working in fire and life safety, equipping them with the essential knowledge needed to protect lives and property, further contributing to the region’s safety and sustainability efforts.

“As the UAE and the GCC continue to expand vital infrastructure to accommodate the region’s rapidly developing economic and demographic trends, it is vital that the industry embraces the role of connectivity in driving innovation for a safer and more sustainable future. SIBEC provides a critical platform for industry leaders and stakeholders to come together to shape the future of safety and technology in the built environment,” said Mr. Ibrahim Lari, Chairman of SIBCA and founder of SIBEC.

SIBEC 2024 will be a pivotal event for those committed to enhancing the safety, performance, and sustainability of the built environment in the MENA region. As the event brings together key stakeholders and thought leaders, it will be an invaluable opportunity to share ideas, forge new partnerships, and drive the next generation of safety and technology solutions for the region’s future.