The International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) recently announced the key focus areas for the Gulf Defense Conference 2013 (GDC). Taking place for the second successive time on Feb.16- 2013, the event will be held at the Armed Forces Officers Club in Abu Dhabi and will focus on regional technology development. Organized by The Institute for Near East & Gulf Military Analysis (INEGMA), the GDC is the official conference of IDEX 2013, forming an integral part of one of the most important international gatherings of the defense and security community in the GCC. “The Gulf Defence Conference provides an important forum to address developments in the defense industry as leaders and decision makers from around the world gather for IDEX,” said Saleh Al Marzooqi, IDEX Director. “This year's technology focus reflects the increasingly significant role of advanced systems, such as unmanned systems and network-centric architecture, in reinforcing regional security. Such discussions are critical to guiding the intelligent development of the industry,” he added. “GDC 2013 is shaping up to be the boldest and most high-profile in GDC and IDEX history. INEGMA had the pleasure to organize GDC 2011 and we are now building on that legacy,” said INEGMA CEO, Riad Kahwaji. “This year's conference agenda has attracted top military leadership speakers from countries around the world that are shaping the future of defense,” he continued. Following on the heels of a successful GDC in 2011, GDC 2013 is set to break the mold in defense conferences with over 400 attendees and a top-notch speaker line up. Panelists and speakers at this year's GDC will be comprised of flag-rank officers from 10 countries around the world including UAE, US, UK, Japan, South Korea and Turkey. – SG
