Focus on defence

Manama : Bahrain will host a major international defence exhibition and conference next year, bringing together  key players from the region and across the world, it was announced yesterday.

The launch and press conference of the First Bahrain International Defence Exhibition and Conference (BIDEC) was attended by HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of Bahrain Royal Guard and Chairman of BIDEC 2017.

The event, scheduled from October 16 to 18 next year, is Bahrain’s first tri-service defence exhibition, covering land, sea and air. 

“We look forward to everyone here supporting our ambitions of developing a world-class defence exhibition,” Shaikh Nasser told the audience.

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority CEO Shaikh Khalid Bin Hamoud Al Khalifa said BIDEC 2017 is an opportunity to attract thousands of visitors to the country. 

The event is fully supported by BDF and will be organised by Clarion Events, the largest organiser of defence and security events in the world. 

Tim Porter, Managing Director, Clarion Defence & Security, presented the overview of BIDEC 2017 to the attendees. 

Defence Attachés and Ambassadors from over 35 countries including India, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, UK and USA attended the event.

It is expected that over 100 international manufacturers and suppliers of the latest military equipment, technology and systems will be present. 

With over 3,000 international visitors expected to attend, there will be a Static Display Area within the exhibition showcasing the latest military vehicles and airframes. 

The Middle East Military Alliances and Coalitions Conference, addressing the biggest challenges in Bahrain and beyond, will also run alongside the exhibition.