The 10th International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) took place this year at Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) between 20-24 February at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Despite the negative developments in the Arab world in recent months, the number of companies and products participating in the Expo was considerably high compared to 2009. Idex 2011 was inaugurated by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President & Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in the presence of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, a number of other Sheikhs, in addition to 66 defence ministers, 64 chiefs of staff. The IDEX 2011 International Defense Expo at Abu Dhabi saw 1,060 participating firms from 53 countries and aside from 60,000 visitors hosted more than 100 official delegations. The recent political tension experienced in North Africa and in the Arab world also had on affect on IDEX this year. The number and level of official deletions was considerably down compared to previous years. Even though delegation visits and interest was not up to previous years, the IDEX 2011 Expo again witnessed many new collaborations and new contracts during its 5 day duration. While the contracts worth 4 billion dollars towards the requirements of the UAE armed forces took place among mostly UAE firms, the Expo was productive for most participating firms. Many firms signed new cooperation agreements and a show of strength was displayed with new products throughout the Expo.