IDEX and NAVDEX 2027 Guide: Dates, Venue, IDEX NXT and 2025 Results
IDEX and NAVDEX 2027 run from 25 to 29 January 2027 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. This guide covers halls, IDEX NXT, registration, getting there and the 2025 results.
IDEX 2027 and NAVDEX 2027 take place from 25 to 29 January 2027 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, according to the official IDEX website. ADNEC Group organises both exhibitions, in association with the Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council. IDEX 2027 also marks the debut of IDEX NXT, a dedicated hub for artificial intelligence (AI) in defence.
IDEX and NAVDEX 2027 key facts
| Item | IDEX and NAVDEX 2027 |
|---|---|
| Dates | 25 to 29 January 2027 |
| Opening hours | 9am to 5pm, as listed in the official website footer |
| Venue | ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| Organiser | ADNEC Group, in association with the Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council |
| Frequency | Every two years |
| History | IDEX dates back to 1993, according to ADNEC Group; NAVDEX 2025 was its eighth edition |
| Sectors | Naval, aerospace, land and CBRNE (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive) |
| New for 2027 | IDEX NXT, a hub for AI in defence |
| Visitor entry | Free online pre-registration with approval; no onsite registration |
| Official websites | idexuae.ae and navdex.ae |
IDEX and NAVDEX 2027 also appear in our defence, aerospace and tech show calendar, which lists other shows up to July 2028.
What IDEX and NAVDEX are
IDEX is the International Defence Exhibition and Conference. Its About page describes it as "a leading global defence and security event". It brings together "government officials, military leaders, industry experts, and key decision-makers", in the organiser's words. The same page calls IDEX "The only Tri-Sector Defence Exhibition" in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It lists the sectors as "LAND / AIR / SEA".
NAVDEX is the Naval Defence & Maritime Security Exhibition, and IDEX is "Co-located" with it. NAVDEX "brings together the leaders in naval defence & maritime security", according to its website. The IDEX website describes IDEX and NAVDEX 2027 as "the most strategically important tri-service defence exhibition in the world".
ADNEC Group traces the event back to its "inception in 1993". IDEX "takes place biennially at the ADNEC Centre", which means the show runs every two years.
The home page groups the exhibition into four sectors, described in the organiser's own words:
| Sector | Organiser's description |
|---|---|
| Naval | "Advanced maritime solutions ensuring dominance, security, and resilience across global waters." |
| Aerospace | "Cutting-edge aerospace technologies safeguarding airspace with unmatched precision and innovation." |
| Land | "Comprehensive land defence systems delivering strength, mobility, and protection on every terrain." |
| CBRNE | "Integrated CBRNE capabilities providing rapid detection, protection, and response against chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive threats." |
Organiser and 2027 partners
The official home page names ADNEC Group as organiser, with the Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council listed "In association with".
On 26 October 2026, the IDEX home page listed these 2027 sponsors and partners:
| Company | Role on the IDEX 2027 home page |
|---|---|
| EDGE Group | Strategic Partner |
| Resource Industries | Category Sponsor |
| Calidus LLC | Associate Partner |
| TAG Dynamics | Premium Partner |
| LIG Defense & Aerospace | Silver Sponsor |
IDEX and NAVDEX 2027 halls and zones
The organiser's floor plan, last updated 14 September 2026, spreads the show across both sides of Khaleej Al Arabi Street. The plan carries the note: "Please note that this floor plan is subject to change without prior notice."
| Area | What the 2027 floor plan shows |
|---|---|
| Main ADNEC Centre halls | Halls numbered up to Hall 12, plus Hall 1A and the Atrium |
| Hall 13 | Labelled "HALL 13 - IDEX NXT" |
| Hall 14 | Reached by a marked "PATH TO HALL 14"; holds a CBRNE Zone, Medical Zone, Start-up Zone and Components Manufacturing Hub |
| NAVDEX, across Khaleej Al Arabi Street | Hall 15, Marina Hall, NAVDEX Talks, the NAVDEX Delegation Lounge, "Visiting Vessel" berths, a slipway and an inauguration area |
| Link between the two sides | A footbridge to the "MARINA BRIDGE LOBBY", with a staircase and lift building |
Hall 14 opened at IDEX 2025, when it held 341 exhibiting companies, according to ADNEC Group. The official home page also links to an interactive map of the show.
IDEX NXT at IDEX 2027
"Introduced for the first time at IDEX 2027, IDEX NXT highlights cutting-edge advancements from global leaders in artificial intelligence," says the organiser. The home page calls it "A dedicated innovation hub at IDEX 2027 showcasing the next generation of AI-driven defence technologies". Its own page carries the line "The Platform at the Heart of Defence AI".
The 2027 floor plan places IDEX NXT in Hall 13.
IDEX NXT sectors and 2027 partners
The IDEX NXT page lists seven sectors:
- Artificial Intelligence & Decision Advantage
- Autonomy & Human-Machine Teaming
- Multi-Domain Integration & Interoperability
- Defence Software, Data & Digital Infrastructure
- Semiconductors, Compute & AI Infrastructure
- Defence Innovation, Procurement & Adoption
- Future Capability, Partnerships & Technology Convergence
Its 2027 agenda follows four themes: Build, Connect, Deploy and Scale. On 26 October 2026, the page listed these "2027 Confirmed Partners":
| Partner role | Companies |
|---|---|
| Strategic Partner | Vantor, Shield AI |
| Content Partner | EY |
| Future Capability Partner | Arthemis.ai, EAS, Comand AI, Sahar, Alta Ares |
| Ecosystem Partner | BlackSky |
| Technology Wall Partner | Cesare AI, SentiAcu, Ascent Lumina, Localized Advanced Solutions |
IDEX 2027 conference, talks and features
International Defence Conference (IDC)
The organiser describes the International Defence Conference (IDC) as "the premier global forum that convenes senior defence and security leaders". IDC is "Designed as an invitation-only platform for high-level dialogue". The IDC 2027 page promotes "2000+" senior defence leaders and "three cutting-edge panels". Topics named on the page include "supply chain resilience, information warfare, and space defence". ADNEC Group reported over 1,800 attendees at IDC 2025, a 25% increase on the previous edition.
IDEX & NAVDEX Talks
IDEX & NAVDEX Talks "brings together leading voices from across the global defence and maritime security sectors", says the organiser. The programme offers "three days of insightful discussions and expert-led sessions". It is "Located at the heart of the exhibition". The 2027 floor plan places NAVDEX Talks in Marina Hall.
CBRNE Hub
The CBRNE Hub page credits the initiative to "The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the IDEX Exhibition Management". Located in Hall 14, the hub "will serve as a meeting point for decision-makers, experts, and key stakeholders in this sector". Its page lists four offers: "Cutting-Edge Technologies", "Expert Insights", "Interactive Exhibits" and "Training and Workshops". The 2027 floor plan labels the area "CBRNE ZONE". At IDEX 2025, ADNEC Group reported that its first CBRNE Hub featured 38 companies from 13 countries.
Innovation Trail
The organiser calls the Innovation Trail "a dedicated platform that celebrates pioneering technologies and breakthrough solutions shaping the future of defence and security". Exhibitors nominate products through the eZone platform, and "a dedicated committee" screens them. "The top 20 products will be chosen for recognition," says the Innovation Trail page. It lists these benefits for winners:
- inclusion in the official exhibitor and product directory
- an "Innovation Trail Winner Badge"
- "Innovation Gallery Exposure"
- an "IDEX Gala Dinner Showcase"
- a "Dedicated Website Feature"
For the 2025 edition, each exhibiting company could nominate one product, which had to make its "debut appearance at IDEX and NAVDEX 2025". ADNEC Group reported that "twenty standout innovations were selected" in 2025.
NAVDEX 2027
NAVDEX 2027 takes place from 25 to 29 January 2027 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, alongside IDEX 2027. Its website bills the show as "NAVDEX 2027 - Your Gateway to the Maritime Industry". On the 2027 floor plan, NAVDEX sits across Khaleej Al Arabi Street from the main halls. The plan shows Hall 15 and Marina Hall, with "Visiting Vessel" berths along the quay.
The NAVDEX 2025 pages list "a purpose built exhibition hall" and "ADNEC Marina for visiting naval ships". They also mention "a pontoon for small crafts, daily water demonstrations and an outdoor display area". The same 2025 pages give the show's scope as "naval, maritime and coastal security technology, equipment and crafts".
ADNEC Group said NAVDEX 2025 was "in its eighth edition". NAVDEX 2025 featured "naval fleets from eight nations", with vessels and maritime systems exhibited at ADNEC Marina and Zayed Port.
Visitor registration and badges for IDEX 2027
"Free-of-charge online pre-registration is required for all attendees," says the official FAQ. Onsite registration is not possible, and each registration goes through an approval process. The FAQ adds that the print-at-home badge can be printed up to three times. Only one badge per person is allowed, and visitors should bring a coloured print-out to enter the show.
The badge photo must be in colour, show the face clearly and be no more than six months old. The 2027 visitor and media registration forms ask each registrant to confirm they are "18 years old or older". Visitors register through the official visitor registration form.
The media registration form says "Media passes are exclusively for those providing media coverage." Applicants must provide proof, which "can be a media ID or an official invitation from ADNEC". Approved applicants receive a printable badge by email.
Getting to ADNEC Centre for IDEX and NAVDEX 2027
The organiser's Plan Your Visit page asks attendees to "follow the directions assigned to your category". It also says "all attendees must register and print their badge at home before they arrive at ADNEC."
Attendees without a car park sticker can use the "Park & Ride Service". They can park or be dropped off at these points:
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Nation Towers, "for visitors coming from downtown"
- Sas Al Nakhl
Taxi passengers, including Uber and Careem users, should ask for "Point F, located in the embassies area" or "Marina Car Park D".
Sticker holders use the car park that matches their sticker colour:
| Car park | Sticker colour | Access, from the organiser's directions |
|---|---|---|
| ADNEC Parking A | Green | Entrance on President Joko Widodo Street; the organiser says to "USE THE BRIDGE IN PRESIDENT JOKO WIDODO STREET" |
| ADNEC Parking B | Red | Accessed from Al Multaqa Street |
| ADNEC Car Parking D | Blue | Entrance on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, with "easy access to Marina Hall" |
| ADNEC Marina Car Parking E | Yellow | "immediately after ADNEC Marina Hall", accessed from Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street |
For public transport, "ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi is serviced by bus number 040, seven days a week," says the venue's website.
IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 in numbers
IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 were held from 17 to 21 February 2025 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. ADNEC Group called them "the largest-ever editions" of both exhibitions. All figures below come from ADNEC Group's 2025 releases.
| Measure | IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 |
|---|---|
| Visitors | 206,073, up 55.5% on the previous edition |
| International visitors | 57% of visitors, from 167 countries |
| Exhibiting companies | 1,565 from 65 countries, a 16% increase |
| New exhibiting countries | Seven |
| First-time exhibiting companies | 731, an 82% increase |
| National pavilions | 41 |
| Largest pavilion | UAE Pavilion, 25,000 square metres |
| Exhibition space | 181,501 square metres, up 10% |
| National companies | 213 |
| Start-ups | 156 |
| Hall 14 | 341 exhibiting companies |
| CBRNE Hub | 38 companies from 13 countries |
| NAVDEX naval fleets | From eight nations |
| International Defence Conference 2025 | Over 1,800 attendees |
| Innovation Trail | 20 innovations selected |
| Deals | 55, worth AED 25.15 billion (UAE dirhams), up 10% on 2023 |
ADNEC Group also reported an exhibitor satisfaction score of +34 points on the Net Promoter Score (NPS) index for 2025. It compared this with an industry benchmark of +8. Exhibitor satisfaction with return on investment reached 4.31 in 2025, against a global standard of 3.97.
How the 2025 deals added up
ADNEC Group published a running total of contracts on each day of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025. On the final day, Tawazun Council announced 15 deals worth AED 1.43 billion. That took the five-day total to 55 deals worth AED 25.15 billion, 10% up on the 2023 edition.
| Day (2025) | Deals | Value | Running total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1, 17 February | 13 | AED 3.97 billion | AED 3.97 billion |
| Day 2, 18 February | 5 | AED 5.80 billion | AED 9.77 billion |
| Day 3, 19 February | 10 | AED 10.18 billion | AED 19.95 billion |
| Day 4, 20 February | 12 | AED 3.77 billion | AED 23.72 billion |
| Day 5, 21 February | 15 | AED 1.43 billion | AED 25.15 billion |
| Total | 55 | AED 25.15 billion |
ADNEC Group's closing release reports that national companies secured 68% of contracts signed by the Tawazun Council, with 32% going to international companies.
IDEX and NAVDEX 2027 stands by Orchestra Media
Orchestra Media is headquartered in Dubai, and IDEX is one of the key shows covered by our UAE office. Our team works from seven offices on five continents.
We start with one question: what must this show make possible for your business? Your objectives then guide the decisions.
Defence is one of our specialist sectors, where stands have to work for official delegations and complex displays.
IDEX 2025 hosted 41 national pavilions, according to ADNEC Group. Our stand design and build work includes national pavilions. At the World Defense Show in Riyadh, our team delivered the 351 sqm Azersilah national defence pavilion. The project ran from initial concept and 3D design renders to full construction and on-site installation.
Our multimedia work covers LED walls, holographic displays, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) experiences and interactive touchscreens. We have run LED walls, holographic displays and AR/VR rigs at IDEX, Dubai Airshow and Eurosatory.
Our services cover stand design and build, multimedia, logistics and hospitality.
We know the show. We build your advantage.
Exhibiting at IDEX or NAVDEX 2027? Book a consultation with our team.
How we compiled this guide
We compiled this guide from official sources only. These are the IDEX and NAVDEX websites and registration forms, the ADNEC Centre website, ADNEC Group press releases and the organiser's floor plan. We checked every source on 26 October 2026. Details can change, so check the official IDEX website before travelling.
Sources
- IDEX official website, home page (2027 dates, hours, organiser, partners, sectors, IDEX NXT, interactive map): https://www.idexuae.ae/en
- IDEX, About IDEX (description, tri-sector, frequency, NAVDEX co-location): https://www.idexuae.ae/en/about-idex
- IDEX, IDEX NXT (description, sectors, agenda themes, 2027 confirmed partners): https://www.idexuae.ae/en/idex-nxt
- IDEX and NAVDEX 2027 floor plan, last updated 14 September 2026 (halls, zones, NAVDEX area): https://www.idexuae.ae/en/download-floor-plan
- IDEX, International Defence Conference (IDC): https://www.idexuae.ae/en/features/international-defence-conference-idc
- IDEX, IDEX & NAVDEX Talks: https://www.idexuae.ae/en/features/idex-navdex-talks
- IDEX, CBRNE Hub: https://www.idexuae.ae/en/features/cbrne-hub
- IDEX, Innovation Trail: https://www.idexuae.ae/en/features/innovation-trail
- IDEX, Plan your visit (Park & Ride, taxi drop-off, car parks): https://www.idexuae.ae/en/why-visit/plan-your-visit
- IDEX, FAQ (registration and badge rules): https://www.idexuae.ae/en/contact-us/faq
- IDEX 2027 visitor registration form (age confirmation): https://registration.xporience.com/registration/?badge_name=visitor&token=iqxdPZS109Fjyss
- IDEX 2027 media registration form (media pass rules): https://registration.xporience.com/registration/?badge_name=media&token=yeFaTLoFg8wxIVK
- NAVDEX official website (2027 dates, description): https://www.navdex.ae/
- NAVDEX, About NAVDEX (NAVDEX 2025 format and scope): https://www.navdex.ae/navdex/about-navdex/
- ADNEC Centre, Getting here (bus 040): https://www.adnec.ae/en/visit/getting-here
- ADNEC Group, IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 closing release, 21 February 2025 (2025 figures): https://www.adnecgroup.ae/news-media/news/details/idex-and-navdex-2025-conclude-with-record-breaking-and-historic-results-garnering-widespread-international-acclaim-from-exhibitors-and-official-delegations
- ADNEC Group, AED 25.15 billion in deals, 21 February 2025 (deal totals by day): https://www.adnecgroup.ae/news-media/news/details/dex-and-navdex-2025-conclude-with-a-total-of-aed-2515-billion-in-deals
- ADNEC Group, opening day deals, 17 February 2025: https://www.adnecgroup.ae/news-media/news/details/idex-and-navdex-2025-secure-aed-397-billion-in-deals-on-opening-day
- ADNEC Group, deals over two days, 18 February 2025: https://www.adnecgroup.ae/news-media/news/details/record-aed-977-billion-in-contracts-signed-over-two-days-at-idex-and-navdex-2025
- ADNEC Group, deals over three days, 19 February 2025: https://www.adnecgroup.ae/news-media/news/details/dex-and-navdex-2025-secure-aed-1995-billion-in-contracts-over-three-days
- ADNEC Group, deals over four days, 20 February 2025: https://www.adnecgroup.ae/news-media/news/details/total-deals-at-idex-and-navdex-2025-reach-aed-2372-billion-in-four-days
- ADNEC Group, IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 opening release, 17 February 2025 (UAE Pavilion): https://www.adnecgroup.ae/news-media/news/details/idex-and-navdex-2025-kicks-off-in-abu-dhabi-marking-its-largest-and-most-advanced-edition
- ADNEC Group, 2025 innovations release, 20 February 2025 (inception in 1993): https://www.adnecgroup.ae/news-media/news/details/idex-navdex-2025-spotlight-groundbreaking-defence-innovations
- ADNEC Group, Innovation Trail 2025 release, 18 February 2025 (2025 nomination rule): https://www.adnecgroup.ae/news-media/news/details/idex-2025-spotlights-pioneering-inventions-with-innovation-trail-winners
- ADNEC Group, IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 day two release, 18 February 2025 (twenty innovations): https://www.adnecgroup.ae/news-media/news/details/idex-and-navdex-2025-day-two-concludes-with-major-deals-cutting-edge-technologies-and-high-impact-demonstrations
- Orchestra Media, Global presence (UAE office shows): https://orchestra.media/global-presence
- Orchestra Media, Azersilah success story: https://orchestra.media/success-stories/azersilah
- Orchestra Media, Extra services (multimedia): https://orchestra.media/services/extra-services
- Orchestra Media, Booth design and construction: https://orchestra.media/services/booth-design-construction
Frequently Asked Questions
World Health Expo (WHX) Dubai 2027, Formerly Arab Health: Exhibitor Guide to Dates, Venues, Sectors and 2026 Results
MRO Europe 2027 in Amsterdam: Exhibitor Guide to Dates, Space Only Stand Rules and the 2025 Show
Defence, Aerospace and Technology Show Calendar: December 2026 to July 2028
Plan Your Next Exhibition
Talk to our team about booth design, show management, and end-to-end delivery across 100+ countries.
Book a Free Consultation