Defense expo IDEX and Gulfood open in the UAE, but without Israelis

Two major, important events began on Sunday in the United Arab Emirates without many of the Israeli participants wanting to travel.

After a whirlwind embrace last year, in which about 130,000 Israelis went to Dubai, the closure of Ben-Gurion Airport in January left much to be desired as people skipped important events in the UAE.

Other countries, such as India, have established major resources at both Gulfood and the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX).

About 2,500 exhibitors from 85 countries came to Gulfood. Belarus, Egypt and many others had stately, beautiful huts and stalls. There were workshops and discussions on how technology is changing the food industry and how to overcome challenges during the pandemic. According to reports, the UAE has ensured that the best health protocols are adhered to. The expo took place at the Dubai World Trade Center.

Meanwhile, the massive defense screen called IDEX in Abu Dhabi also opened on Sunday. Like Gulfood, it will take five days. Up to 40 Israeli companies would go for the first time this year. They went to keep huts at an Israeli pavilion. ISDEF, part of Avnon Group, organized and invested in the important Israeli presence.

But Israeli authorities prevented Israel from attending by refusing exemptions for the closure of Israel’s airport. This has left companies confused and uncertain about what to do. Some were able to find locals to manage their huts at the last minute.

Israel’s head of mission to the United Arab Emirates, Eitan Na’eh, attended IDEX and posted a photo next to the Israeli stand for SIBAT, the Directorate of International Defense.

IAI, for example, said that it has a booth at IDEX and that visitors can virtually call. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems also has an impressive booth run by a Spanish subsidiary called PAP.

Many other companies could not attend. Some have approached the courts in Israel to see if they can go on the spur of the moment. This is a blow to some of the smaller businesses that were hoping to showcase products and meet new potential customers.

MILITARY AND DEFENSE, as well as homeland security enterprises, have generally not yet seen budgets decline as a result of COVID-19, because in terms of security and defense, long-term procurement and challenges continue.

Recent threats against Saudi Arabia and rocket attacks on US troops in Iraq, for example, underscore the importance of air defense. Israel launched work on the Arrow-4 last week.

This shows that when it comes to all kinds of new defense technologies, large defense exhibits like IDEX are needed. It seems that every other country in the Middle East and neighboring regions has realized this, except Israel.

This is strange, as Israel is known as the Start-Up Nation and has some of the largest defense companies in the world, including IAI, Rafael and Elbit Systems.

Israel is a pioneer in a number of technologies, including air defense, drones and annoying ammunition. The Jewish state is also a pioneer in the application of electro-optics, surveillance and artificial intelligence. Abu Dhabi and IDEX are a hub for key new clients in defense, including India.

With the reduction of Israel’s presence at IDEX, a plethora of other interesting systems are displayed. According to reports, the UAE Highland Systems is showing off its Storm amphibious hybrid multi-roll vehicle. India sent a navy ship to the exhibition. IDEX has a fleet component called NAVDEX. Minks Wheel Tractor Plant also sent a delegation.

General Atomics is also at IDEX, showcasing new technology for UAVs. “Unmanned aerial systems are just as useful as the sensor they can carry,” the company says. Israel has an abundance of such sensors and drones, including the Aeronautics Orbiter line, the IAI’s Heron and Elbit’s Hermes.

It would have needed Israel’s companies to have a greater presence at the event. Eventually, about 1,300 sellers went to IDEX, and it seems that most of the Israeli presence did not reach it. Coming days may see a change in that, but so far the closure of the airport has kept the Israelites from the event.