Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE International Defence Conference 2025 explored key challenges and opportunities in global defence sectors
Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the International Defence Conference 2025 commenced today under the theme 'Defence Reimagined: Innovation, Integration and Resilience'. Bringing together defence 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 reaffirms the UAE's commitment to fostering dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in the evolving global defence landscape.
The conference was officially inaugurated by His Excellency Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Fadel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, who highlighted that since its launch in 1993, IDEX has become a cornerstone of the global defence 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 defence challenges.
His Excellency emphasised 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 defence collaboration. Discussions will address critical global security concerns, including cybersecurity, space security, and defence preparedness, exploring practical solutions to enhance global resilience.
Closing his address, His Excellency 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 His Excellency Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee for IDEX and NAVDEX 2025, His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, His Excellency Sultan Rashid Ali Al Shamsi, Advisor at the Presidential Court, His Excellency Dr. Nasser Hamid Al Nuaimi, Secretary-General of Tawazun Council, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Ali, CEO of Trends Research & Advisory, His Excellency James Morse, President of Rabdan Academy, His Excellency Major General Dr. Mubarak Saeed Ghafan Al Jabri, Deputy Chairman of the Higher Organising 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 defence companies, 48 ambassadors and diplomatic representatives, and 65 military attachés, in addition to representatives from military academies and both local and international universities.
Organised by ADNEC Group, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council, the International Defence 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 Defence Preparedness: Mitigating Threats to Critical Supply Chains, Disinformation and Influence Operations: The Weaponisation of Information in Modern Conflicts andThe Sky is No Longer the Limit: Emerging Threats and Opportunities in Space
The opening session, 'Global Disruptions and Defence Preparedness: Mitigating Threats to Critical Supply Chains,' featured His Excellency 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.
His Excellency emphasised that trade routes serve as the backbone of defence 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 defence industries through a balanced approach of local production, regional partnerships, and international cooperation. The session also explored international collaboration in defence 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 Weaponisation of Information in Modern Conflicts,' featured His Excellency 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. His Excellency 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 His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, who highlighted the growing significance of space technology in modern defence.
His Excellency 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 defence, space tourism, asteroid mining, and even off-planet manufacturing.
He emphasised 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.
His Excellency 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 His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, marking a milestone in expanding global dialogue on defence, 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 defence.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mid East Info
8 hours ago
- Mid East Info
Sharjah Chamber to honour Sharjah Excellence Award winners on June 25, announces new award category for upcoming edition
The Sharjah Excellence Award (SEA)'s Board of Trustees has announced that the closing ceremony to honour the winners of the award's 2024 edition will take place on June 25. The award is organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. The board also commended the notable growth in participation for this year's edition of the award. The announcement was made during the regular meeting of SEA's Board of Trustees, chaired by H.E. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sharjah Excellence Award. The meeting was attended by H.E. Hamad Ali Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD); H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA); H.E. Waleed AbdelRahman BuKhatir, Second Vice Chairman of SCCI; Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Al Shehhi, SCCI's Board Member; H.E. Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa); H.E. Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al-Awadi, Director-General of SCCI; H.E. Dr. Salah Taher Al Haj, Deputy Chancellor of the University of Sharjah for Community Affairs; and H.E. Lalu Samuel, Managing Director of Pierlite Middle East Sharjah. During the meeting, SEA's Board of Trustees approved an extension of the registration deadline for the award's 2025 edition to January 31, 2026. Discussions included key proposals, most notably the potential launch of a new category titled 'Best Service Entity'. The Board also underscored the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange with prominent excellence awards across the UAE. H.E Abdallah Sultan Al Owais opened the meeting by welcoming the attendees and praising the efforts and achievements of the Sharjah Excellence Award's team. He affirmed the Sharjah Chamber's ongoing commitment to enhancing the award's impact as a strategic platform for promoting excellence and innovation across the business sector. This initiative aligns with Sharjah's integrated development strategy, which prioritises quality, innovation, and institutional excellence in building a competitive and sustainable knowledge-based economy. Al Owais further underlined the award's role as a catalyst for advancing corporate performance standards and actively contributing to the ambitious development path of Sharjah and the UAE. For her part, Nada Al-Hajri, General Coordinator of the Sharjah Excellence Award, stated that the meeting produced key outcomes that will define the award's upcoming phase. Among them is the decision to extend the registration deadline for the next cycle to January 31, 2026, allowing greater participation from private sector institutions. SEA's Board of Trustees also recommended evaluating the introduction of a new category under the title 'Sharjah Award for Best Service Entity'. Al-Hajri further noted that the meeting discussed several development proposals aimed at enhancing the award's appeal and expanding its outreach impact, including a suggestion to allow participation from companies operating across all emirates of the UAE.
Mid East Info
8 hours ago
- Mid East Info
Ministry of Economy and Dubai Police sign MoU to enhance cooperation in developing compliance mechanisms for AML/CFT requirements
Partnership with Dubai Police supports the Ministry's efforts to combat financial crimes through enhanced institutional integration The Ministry of Economy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Police General Command to strengthen cooperation and coordination in developing compliance mechanisms for anti-money laundering (AML) and combatting the financing of terrorism (CFT) requirements. The agreement facilitates the exchange and integration of information between the two entities, thus enhancing supervisory roles within the national legislative framework. The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the fourth edition of the World Police Summit, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The agreement was signed by H.E. Safia Hashim Al Safi, Assistant Undersecretary for Commercial Control and Governance at the Ministry of Economy, and H.E. Major General Expert Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs at Dubai Police. H.E. Safia Al Safi emphasised that the UAE has made significant strides in developing advanced strategies, policies, and legislation to combat money laundering and terrorism financing in line with the highest international standards. This has further reinforced the national economy's position as a competitive trade and business hub committed to the highest standards of integrity and transparency. H.E. noted that the partnership with Dubai Police aligns with the Ministry's vision to enhance collaboration with federal and local entities, thereby strengthening the national framework and developing mechanisms to combat financial crimes and enhance regulatory infrastructure in accordance with relevant international standards. H.E. Safia Al Safi explained that the MoU establishes a sustainable institutional framework between the Ministry and Dubai Police to collaborate on various AML/CFT procedures within the country, including control, inspection, and monitoring of illicit activities. This partnership aims to elevate the efficiency of control and follow-up systems and serves shared objectives in combating financial crimes within the country. Supporting national efforts: H.E. Major General Expert Khalil Al Mansoori said: 'The MoU with the Ministry of Economy is a significant milestone in enhancing institutional integration among relevant entities involved in combating financial crimes. Dubai Police is committed to supporting national efforts to counter money laundering and combat terrorism financing by advancing its technical and human competencies. We aim to leverage Dubai Police's research, investigation, and financial analysis ecosystems to develop effective, proactive mechanisms for detecting suspicious activities and enhancing rapid responses to associated risks, in line with global best practices. This plays a role in reinforcing the UAE's position as a secure and transparent global economic hub.' H.E. further emphasised that the collaboration marks a significant step forward in integrating national efforts and unifying resources and expertise to develop more precise and effective regulatory tools, while continuing to invest in national talent and smart technologies to build a safer and more stable environment. Counselor Salem Al Tunaiji, Director of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Department at the Ministry of Economy, explained that the MoU provides advanced mechanisms for technical and security coordination between the Ministry and Dubai Police. This includes the exchange of data related to money laundering and terrorism financing crimes, aligning with the Ministry's role in supervising Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) and identifying the real beneficial owners of legal entities. Under the scope of the MoU, both parties will collaborate on developing integrated mechanisms and programs to elevate risk response efficiency related to suspicious financial activities within the DNFBP sector, which include real estate agents and brokers, traders of precious metals and stones, auditors, and company service providers. This will be realised through the exchange of data on suspicious transactions and activities and the activation of secure and effective institutional communication channels to ensure the swift exchange of confidential data in line with the approved legal and regulatory frameworks. These efforts support their awareness endeavours to prevent and deter violators, in line with the applicable legislations and regulations in the UAE. The MoU also outlines the implementation of joint training programs and specialised workshops aimed at enhancing the professional competencies of both parties' staff and the development of periodic analytical reports to support decision-making, ensuring the comprehensive application of administrative and regulatory procedures. Additionally, the MoU includes provisions to support awareness and media campaigns related to institutional compliance and financial crime prevention, as well as collaboration in developing relevant policies and legislation and reviewing regulatory frameworks to ensure their alignment with international requirements.
Mid East Info
4 days ago
- Mid East Info
Brazil Officially Removes UAE from List of Jurisdictions with Preferential Tax Regimes
A Milestone in Bilateral Economic Cooperation Mohamed Bin Hadi Al Hussaini: The UAE applies global best practices and international standards in tax and financial policies The Ministry of Finance announced that the United Arab Emirates has been officially removed from the Federative Republic of Brazil's list of jurisdictions with preferential tax regimes, a significant step that reflects the UAE's strong commitment to the highest standards of tax transparency and global financial governance. This development also underscores the depth and maturity of the economic and trade relations between the two countries. This achievement stems from the official visit of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to the Federative Republic of Brazil in November last year, and the constructive cooperation between Brazil's Ministry of Finance and the relevant UAE entities. Dedicated technical teams from both sides worked closely to fulfil all requirements related to tax transparency and investment standards adopted by the Brazilian authorities. The announcement represents the culmination of a long-standing technical dialogue founded on strategic alignment and partnership. New Horizons: His Excellency Mohamed Bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, affirmed that removing the UAE from Brazil's list of jurisdictions with preferential tax regimes reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to implementing best practices and international standards in its tax and financial frameworks. 'This step is a testament to the success of UAE diplomacy in building partnerships based on transparency and mutual trust,' he said. H.E. added: 'We view this achievement as a launchpad for further strengthening economic cooperation with Brazil and unlocking new opportunities for mutual investment that serve both nations' ambitions for comprehensive and sustainable economic development. We will continue working to deepen bilateral ties and activate strategic initiatives that benefit the economies and people of both countries.' Shared Opportunities: It is worth noting that the UAE is the leading destination for Brazilian exports among Arab countries, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 4.3 billion in 2024, making Brazil the UAE's largest trading partner in South America. Both sides remain committed to leveraging all avenues of cooperation and shared opportunities to enhance their economic ties. The removal of the UAE from Brazil's list is expected to further accelerate bilateral cooperation, particularly in priority sectors such as trade and investment. This development supports sustainable development goals and strengthens the UAE's position as a global business hub. This announcement marks a pivotal milestone in UAE-Brazil relations and reflects the two countries' shared vision of building a strong economic partnership grounded in tax transparency, governance, and support for initiatives that drive sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
