Military tech on show

On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister yesterday inaugurated the second edition of the Bahrain International Defence Exhibition and Conference (BIDEC).

Held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, this year’s BIDEC attracted over 200 companies showcasing the latest defence technology and innovation. Upon arrival, HRH the Crown Prince was welcomed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; Defence Affairs Minister, Lieutenant-General Abdulla Al Nuaimi; BDF’s Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-General Theyab bin Saqer Al Nuaimi; National Security Adviser, Royal Guard Commander and the Head of the High Organising Committee of BIDEC, HH Major-General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa; HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, as well as a number of senior guests attending BIDEC. HRH the Crown Prince highlighted Bahrain’s ongoing success in hosting international events, including BIDEC, and underscored the importance of strengthening global defence co-ordination.

HRH the Crown Prince noted that security challenges call for concerted efforts to continue to develop the use of emerging technology in the military. HRH the Crown Prince noted that Bahrain will continue to work alongside its international partners to strengthen regional and global security, recognising that these partnerships continue to enhance the BDF’s combat readiness.

HRH the Crown Prince underscored Bahrain’s efforts in providing an environment which stimulates creativity and promotes innovation across key sectors, creating new opportunities for citizens and helping the Kingdom achieve its sustainable development goals. HRH the Crown Prince commented on the positive effects of innovation, such as strengthening economic competitiveness and spurring job creation across key sectors, in line with the principles of sustainability, competitiveness, and fairness enshrined within Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.

To further this point, HRH the Crown Prince noted that upskilling the military remains a key component of HM King Hamad’s directives to further expand Bahrain’s military readiness. In this regard, HRH the Crown Prince outlined HM the King’s strong support to the BDF, which continues to ensure its combat readiness and efficiency. HRH the Crown Prince concluded by expressing his pride in the BDF for their efforts in hosting another successful BIDEC, and reserved special praise for HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa for his efforts in particular.

BIDIC 2017 achieved ‘Best Trade Exhibition over 10,000 sqm’ at the 2018 Middle East Special Events Awards.