His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar and Supreme Commander of the Qatar Armed Forces, officially inaugurated the ninth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), marking the beginning of one of the world’s most influential defence and security exhibitions.
The opening ceremony gathered an elite audience of high-level officials, including His Excellency Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, alongside ministers, ambassadors, naval commanders, international delegations, and representatives from more than 200 participating companies.
His Highness toured several international pavilions, national exhibitors, and entities from the Qatar Armed Forces, highlighting Qatar’s expanding capabilities across the maritime, air, and land defence sectors.
A Strategic Platform for Global Defence Dialogue
In his keynote address, His Excellency Major General (Sea) Abdullah bin Hassan Al Sulaiti, Commander of the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces, emphasised the strategic importance of DIMDEX 2026 amid rapidly shifting global and regional dynamics. He noted that the exhibition plays a pivotal role in strengthening the readiness, cooperation, and technological capabilities of modern armed forces.
He highlighted that DIMDEX has evolved into a global hub for maritime defence innovation, presenting cutting-edge systems, strategic technologies, and next-generation support solutions essential for safeguarding sovereignty and security. The Middle East Naval Commanders Conference, held in parallel, serves as a critical diplomatic forum where experts, military leaders, and academics address the latest developments in maritime security and regional defence challenges.
The Most Expansive Edition in DIMDEX History
Organised under the theme “A Global Hub for Defence Innovations – Invest in Possibilities to Shape a Secure Tomorrow”, DIMDEX 2026 is the largest edition since its inception. With:
- 200+ national and international defence companies
- 110+ official VIP delegations
- Advanced technologies spanning AI, cybersecurity, C5ISR, unmanned systems, anti-piracy technologies, and integrated defence platforms
- Representation from every branch of the Qatar Armed Forces
The four-day event reinforces Qatar’s position as a global destination for defence business, innovation, investment, and collaboration.
Strategic Agreements and Global Partnerships
The opening day witnessed the signing of multiple contracts, MoUs, and strategic defence agreements, attended by His Excellency Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. These partnerships underscore DIMDEX’s role as a catalyst for commercial growth, defence innovation, and long-term investment—particularly within the maritime and advanced technology sectors.
Warships Display at Hamad Port
A highlight of DIMDEX 2026 is the official opening of the visiting international warships display at Hamad Port. Eight advanced warships from six nations arrived this year, including the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces’ multi-mission vessel ‘Al Fulk’, the largest of its kind in the Gulf region. The display reinforces Qatar’s maritime presence and its long-standing commitment to maritime security.
Workshops, Innovation Showcases, and Defence Diplomacy
For the first time, DIMDEX features specialised workshops hosted by exhibitors, allowing defence manufacturers to present the latest innovations directly to decision-makers and attending delegations. These sessions will run from 20 to 22 January, further strengthening the exhibition’s role as a bridge between global industry leaders and military authorities.
Tomorrow, the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference will convene under the theme “Defence Diplomacy and Maritime Security Challenges”, reinforcing Qatar’s vision of diplomacy-driven conflict resolution and joint international cooperation.
DIMDEX 2026: A Global Stage for Defence Excellence
Held across more than 40,000 square metres at QNCC, DIMDEX 2026 is expected to attract over 25,000 attendees, making it one of the largest and most influential defence exhibitions in the Middle East and beyond.
Registration for the exhibition and its accompanying activities is available at:
https://bit.ly/4aEtajh
For additional details, please visit www.dimdex.com and follow the event across all social media platforms.
