Report from the national stand at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi
The IDEX trade fair in Abu Dhabi is one of the most important global exhibition events related to the defence industry and dual-use technologies. The event provides a platform for entrepreneurs from around the world to exchange views and experiences. During the edition held on 17-21 February, more than 1,500 exhibitors presented their products and services. Among them was the Polish Investment and Trade Agency, which organised the Polish national stand as part of the project entitled ‘Internationalisation of SMEs – Brand HUB’.
The global importance of IDEX
IDEX is a global event, bringing together industry representatives – entrepreneurs and customers from all over the world. The organisers report that this year’s edition proved to be a record-breaker. It was attended by 1,565 exhibitors from 65 countries and more than 206,000 visitors.
Polish national stand at IDEX
During the trade fair, the PAIH stand in Abu Dhabi hosted representatives of sixteen Polish companies operating in the high-tech sector in the area of security and dual-use goods.
The representatives had the opportunity to use the exhibition space of the Polish national stand for B2B talks with potential clients. The contacts established have allowed Polish companies to continue to build a strong position in the region. Those present at the Polish stand were also able to benefit from the logistical and substantive support of representatives of the Foreign Trade Office of the PAIH in the UAE, who not only provided advice, but also assisted with the organisation of business meetings.
The Polish National Stand was also visited by distinguished guests, headed by His Excellency Rashed Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and Dr. Hamad Khalif Alnuaimi, head of the Abu Dhabi Police Telecommunications Department. Representatives of Polish companies also met with Jacek Buda, the counsellor and deputy head of the mission of the Polish Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Increasing importance of modern technologies
‘This year’s IDEX left no doubt that the use of modern technologies in the security and dual-use goods sector is becoming increasingly important. Examples include drone technology or the use of artificial intelligence systems in weapons systems management. At the same time, it is noticeable that Polish companies, government representatives, armed forces, police and other services are increasingly aware of the role played in the defence sector by civilian entities developing dual-use solutions. This is particularly important for strengthening the country’s resilience and building the competitiveness of Polish companies’, Piotr Placha, Key Expert in the PAIH Industry Experts Team, summarised the conclusions of the fair.
The Polish Investment and Trade Agency continues its promotional activities for Security & Dual Use Goods Sector as part of the Brand HUB project. The next event at which the Polish national stand will be set up will be the DSEI trade fair in London on 12-15 September this year. Held every two years, DSEI is one of the defence sector’s most prestigious events in which dual-use technologies are inherently involved.
Brand HUB project
The Polish Investment and Trade Agency organised the Polish national stand at IDEX as part of the Sectoral Programme for the Promotion of the High Technology Sector in the area of Security and Dual-Use Goods on Prospective Markets. The sectoral promotion programme is implemented as part of the project entitled ‘Internationalisation of SMEs – Brand HUB‘ by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency in cooperation with the Ministry of Development and Technology, as part of the ‘European Funds for a Modern Economy 2021 -2027’ programme.
The aim of the ‘Internationalisation of SMEs – Brand HUB’ project is to use and increase the growth potential of Polish SMEs and to increase the volume of exports through their participation in promotional activities on foreign markets. Sectoral promotion programmes are designed to support the recognition of these sectors on foreign markets by promoting the Polish Economy Brand under the slogan ‘Poland. Business Forward’.
