His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Inaugurates the Ninth Edition of DIMDEX 2026, Reinforcing Qatar’s Global Leadership in Defence Innovation
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: 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.
EDGE Announced as Main Sponsor of DIMDEX 2026
A Strategic Partnership Strengthening Qatar’s Role as a Global Hub for Defence Innovation The Organising Committee of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) has officially announced EDGE, one of the world’s leading advanced technology groups, as the Main Sponsor of its ninth edition, taking place from 19–22 January 2026 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). Held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Qatar Armed Forces, DIMDEX 2026 is hosted and organised by the Qatar Armed Forces under the theme:“A Global Hub for Defence Innovations: Invest in Possibilities to Shape a Secure Tomorrow.” EDGE Joins as Main Sponsor for the First Time Participating for the first time, EDGE’s sponsorship underscores the growing global appeal of DIMDEX as a leading international platform for showcasing cutting-edge defence technologies, advanced maritime solutions, and strategic industry partnerships. The agreement marks a major milestone for both organisations, reinforcing Qatar’s leadership in defence innovation and expanding EDGE’s footprint in the regional and global defence market. The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Defence in the presence of: Building Strategic Defence Partnerships His Excellency Lt Gen (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai stated: “Through collaboration with regional partners, we aim to anticipate emerging challenges and deploy advanced solutions, building a resilient and secure future grounded in collective progress. Strengthening regional security demands strong partnerships and shared expertise.” Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al-Ansari added: “We are delighted to welcome EDGE as our Main Sponsor. DIMDEX provides the perfect global stage for EDGE to showcase its advanced defence technologies, enhance regional capabilities, and open new commercial and innovation-driven opportunities.” EDGE: Redefining Defence Innovation Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE, commented: “Joining DIMDEX 2026 as the Main Sponsor marks a key step in EDGE’s journey to lead in advanced defence and maritime technologies. Our participation reflects our ambition to drive innovation, strengthen regional collaboration, and deliver solutions designed for global export.” Launched in 2019 in the UAE, EDGE has become a global powerhouse in 4IR (Fourth Industrial Revolution) defence technologies, focusing on autonomous systems, smart weapons, electronic warfare, and naval systems — shaping the future of global defence innovation. DIMDEX: A Decade of Global Defence Excellence Now in its ninth edition, DIMDEX stands among the most prominent international maritime defence and security events, connecting industry leaders, governments, and innovators. Beyond its exhibition floor, DIMDEX serves as a strategic platform for high-level dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, advancing Qatar’s position as a global hub for security and innovation. With a focus on investment, sustainability, and advanced technologies, DIMDEX 2026 continues to showcase Qatar’s commitment to shaping the future of defence innovation and supporting global stability.
