Idex military exposition opened in Abu Dhabi, as Gulf states plan 100 billion in spending on arms

The United Arab Emirates' fourth defense exposition, Idex '99 military exhibition, was opened by Crown Prince (and deputy commander in chief) Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed al-Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

More than 800 companies are taking part in the exposition, representing 40 countries, especially Britain and France. Taking part for the first time are Kuwait, Bosnia and Iran.

Meanwhile, an expert in Abu Dhabi told AFP on Sunday that the GCC's six member states will allot during the next five years some US $100 billion to renovate their military equipment and purchase more weapons.

Several participants in Idex '99 downplayed the possibility of concluding big deals or contracts during the process of the exposition. They explained that deals already announced in the previous Idex expositions totaled less than US $200 million.

The participants, however, stress that contacts to be made through the exposition may result in armament contracts in the future.

The exposition was opened for the first time in Abu Dhabi in 1993. This year's exhibition will continue until March 18.