Israel denies delegation permits for UAE defense exhibition The participation of 40 Israeli companies in the Abu Dhabi International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) is in doubt due to the closure of Israel's skies. The Israeli delegation from the country's defense industries does not look like it will be able to participate in next week's International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi. Hundreds of employees from 40 Israeli companies were due to fly on five Arkia Airlines Ltd. flights to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the coming days. But the exemptions committee set up due to the Covid-19 pandemic, headed by Minister of Regional Cooperation Ofir Akunis, which grants Israelis a permit to fly abroad, has refused the request by the Ministry of Defense to allow the flights.