"Israeli Arms Firms Find Warm Welcome at Abu Dhabi Defense Expo"

A record 34 Israeli companies exhibited at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi this week, marking a stark contrast to the chilly reception they received at the Dubai Airshow just one month after the Israel-Hamas war began in 2023. The warm welcome extended to Israeli defense manufacturers at IDEX 2025 reflects the normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as the growing interest in battle-tested Israeli weapons and technologies.



The positive reception at IDEX 2025 was evident in the enthusiasm of conference attendees, who milled around displays of Israeli drones and other battlefield tech, engaging with company representatives and asking questions about the hardware. Emiratis, Saudis, and UAE military personnel were seen warmly shaking hands with their Israeli counterparts, signaling a significant shift in regional dynamics.

Boaz Levy, CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), expressed his satisfaction with the event, stating, "We felt very welcome and we felt at home here. The hospitality, the visits of all our customers and the administration here was really good, and it is like any other show in the world." This sentiment was echoed by other Israeli executives, who reported a warm reception and high levels of interest in their products.

The recent war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has provided an opportunity for Israeli defense companies to showcase the effectiveness of their systems in real-world conditions. Taly Kosberg Shmueli, deputy CEO of Israeli aerostat systems company RT, noted that her company's systems have been in use in the UAE and that the firm has been in talks with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. This increased interest in Israeli defense technologies is expected to drive future defense exports and foster regional security cooperation.

However, Israeli defense companies must tread carefully when marketing their products to Arab Gulf countries, as political sensitivities and cultural norms must be respected. Despite the positive reception at IDEX 2025, Israeli companies were cautious during the Dubai Airshow in 2023, with representatives unwilling to speak to the press. This demonstrates the need for Israeli defense companies to adapt their marketing strategies and product offerings to cater to the unique needs and preferences of Arab Gulf countries.

In conclusion, the normalization of relations between Israel and the UAE, as part of the Abraham Accords, has significantly influenced the reception and interest in Israeli defense companies at IDEX 2025. The increased presence and positive reception of Israeli defense firms at the event reflect the growing interest in battle-tested Israeli weapons and technologies, as well as the potential for future defense exports and regional security cooperation. However, Israeli defense companies must remain mindful of political sensitivities and cultural norms when marketing their products to Arab Gulf countries.