The IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 defense exhibitions hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have become milestones in showcasing Turkey’s expanding global defense capabilities. Turkish defense firms made a strong impression in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, not only through their advanced technologies and platforms but also through new agreements that pave the way for joint production, technology sharing, and industrial collaboration. These partnerships signal a new phase in Turkey-UAE defense relations, contributing to both nations’ strategic ambitions in the region.

Turkey’s Ambassador to Abu Dhabi, Lütfullah Göktaş, emphasized the rapid strengthening of ties between the two countries, noting that defense industry cooperation plays a leading role in this process. He stated that over 50 agreements have been signed in just the past three years, reflecting a significant deepening of bilateral engagement. Göktaş also recalled that in 2023, relations between Turkey and the UAE were elevated to a “strategic partnership” level, a development now being concretely reflected in defense sector collaborations announced at IDEX & NAVDEX 2025.

Beyond defense, cultural and economic relations are also flourishing. Ambassador Göktaş pointed out the growing interest of Turkish citizens in the UAE and vice versa, driven by strong historical and cultural ties. Turkish cuisine, television series, and brands have established a solid presence in the UAE, while Emirati visitors show increasing enthusiasm for destinations such as Istanbul, the Aegean, and the Black Sea regions. This mutual affinity strengthens the foundation for long-term cooperation across multiple sectors.

Göktaş underlined that the Ankara-Abu Dhabi partnership has broader regional implications. “The strengthening of ties between Turkey and the UAE is not only significant for the two nations but for the entire region,” he said. Both countries share a vision of regional ownership and stability, seeking to promote peace, cooperation, and locally-driven solutions to regional challenges. In this context, the growing defense cooperation is expected to expand into joint production, maintenance, modernization, and technology transfer projects — further solidifying Turkey and the UAE’s positions as key contributors to regional security and innovation.