What you need to know about IDEX and NAVDEX 2027
25–29 January 2027 · ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
Facts checked on 28 September 2026. Check the organiser's website for the latest details.
This guide covers what exhibitors need to know about IDEX and NAVDEX 2027. The dates moved to 25 to 29 January 2027, after a record 2025 edition.
IDEX and NAVDEX in numbers
- 206,073 visitors in 2025
- 1,565 exhibitors from 65 countries in 2025
- 181,501 m² of space in 2025
- AED 25.15 billion across 55 deals in 2025 (Tawazun Council figure)
What is different this year
- The official IDEX site gives 25 to 29 January 2027. An ADNEC release from February 2025 gave 21 to 25 January.
- 70% of exhibitors had rebooked for 2027 when the dates were announced.
- New features include IDEX NXT, the CBRNE Hub and the Innovation Trail.
6 things to watch out for as an exhibitor
1. Old dates are still online
Some websites still show 21 to 25 January. Check every hotel, freight and crew booking against the official dates.
2. Weapons rules sit behind the portal
The rules for weapons, ammunition and military vehicles on display are only in the exhibitor manual on the IDEX Exhibitor Portal. Get the name of the permit authority and the customs route in writing early.
3. NAVDEX uses two waterfronts
In 2025, naval ships from eight nations were on show at ADNEC Marina and at Zayed Port. Confirm which one your vessel will use.
4. Stands above 4 m need approval
At NAVDEX, space-only stands can go up to 4 m. A higher stand needs approval and can cost more, and double-decks pay an upper-floor fee.
5. Delegations arrive a day early
The International Defence Conference runs the day before the show. In 2025 it had more than 1,800 attendees, including 55 heads of military delegations, 48 ambassadors and 65 military attachés.
6. Crowds grew by more than half
Visitor numbers rose 55.5% in 2025. Expect queues at entry, and give your guests a set time and meeting point.
Who else will be there
- In 2025, 57% of visitors came from abroad, from 167 countries.
- ADNEC Group organises the show with the Tawazun Council and the UAE Ministry of Defence, under the patronage of the UAE President.
- IDEX began in 1993. The 2027 show is the 18th edition.
The venue and the city that week
- ADNEC is about 15 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
- WHX runs in Dubai from 25 to 28 January, and World of Coffee from 26 to 28 January. Crews and freight forwarders are busy across both cities.
Questions exhibitors ask
When and where is IDEX and NAVDEX 2027?
IDEX and NAVDEX 2027 takes place on 25–29 January 2027 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
How big is IDEX 2027?
The show had 206,073 visitors in 2025 and 1,565 exhibitors from 65 countries in 2025.
What is new at IDEX 2027?
The official IDEX site gives 25 to 29 January 2027. An ADNEC release from February 2025 gave 21 to 25 January.