By Ashwani Kumar, Khaleej Times, 21.02.2021

History was made on Saturday as Israel took part in the International Defence Conference (IDC) held at Adnoc Business Centre. Israel is marking its presence at the Abu Dhabi defence expo for the first time. It is among the five countries to make its debut this year at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX), organised by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence and the General Command of the UAE Armed Forces.

Ron Pollak, vice-president (sales and marketing) of Israeli company Emtan, is delighted with his experience. “We are excited to be here as first-timers. We are manufacturers of small arms and rifles for the military and law enforcement agencies. Up to 95 per cent of our business is with the military. We have been in business for more than 40 years,” he told Khaleej Times.

Apart from Israel, Emtan serves countries in Asia, Europe, Africa and South America. “We are hoping to supply to the local military in the UAE.”

Pollak is ecstatic as within hours of the exhibition’s opening day, a representative from a top Emirati company has shown interest in Emtan’s arms and rifles. The Abu Dhabi-headquartered firm has invited Pollak for further discussions.

“The IDEX is very impressive. It’s so clean, nice and organised.We welcome everybody from the UAE to visit our country Israel and Emtan,” Pollak added.

History was made on Saturday as Israel took part in the International Defence Conference (IDC) held at Adnoc Business Centre. With travel curbs and airport closure, Dr Uzi Rubin, senior researcher, the Jerusalem Institute of Strategy and Security, took part in the conference virtually.