Doha, 03 March 2024 (Qatar Tribune)

By Ashraf Siddiqui

The eighth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2024) will kick off today, under the patronage of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Organised and hosted by the Qatar Armed Forces, this year’s edition will witness the largest ever participation of exhibitors displaying land and air forces equipment, Staff Brig. (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al Ansari, Chairman of the Organising Committee of DIMDEX, has announced.

Addressing a pre-event press conference on Sunday at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), venue of the 8th DIMDEX Exhibition and Conference, Ansari said the event would run until March 6 under the theme ‘Igniting the Future of Maritime Security and Beyond’.

The press conference was also attended by Staff Maj. Gen. (Doctor/Air) Rashid Hamad Al Nuaimi, Commander of the Strategic Studies Centre of the Qatar Armed Forces; and Brig. Gen. Ali Harib Al Harib, Deputy Commander of Qatar Emiri Signal Corps and Director of Project 401 for Special Operations.

AlAnsari said the eighth edition of DIMDEX will feature more than 200 international and national companies specialized in security and defence, in addition to nine major international pavilions, as well as renowned national and local companies and the various branches of the Qatar Armed Forces.

He added that event will showcase the latest defence innovations and technology over the full capacity of seven halls across 35,000 square metres, as well as additional outdoor space.

Staff Brig. Ansari pointed out that DIMDEX this year is characterised by the presence of the largest number of official delegations, reaching 110 official VIP delegations, further strengthening DIMDEX’s position on the international stage.

He added that the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference will be held on the second day of the event in partnership with the Strategic Studies Centre of the Qatar Armed Forces, under the title ‘Economic Growth Prospects Amidst Security Challenges and Their Global Impact’, with the participation of thought leaders and military officials.

He said, “In this edition, we will also witness the announcement of Project 401 for the Special Operations, which includes special operations training centres specialized in developing the capabilities of special forces and global antiterrorism units.

“Over the course of three days, the event is expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors from across the maritime defence and security ecosystem to explore the latest advanced solutions and defence technologies', he added.

He said that the event also provides opportunities to meet and communicate directly with high-level official delegations, military leaders, representatives of government and defence procurement agencies, contributing to the signing of new contracts and agreements with potential buyers and offering business opportunities for companies'.

He added that the event is also a platform to exchange knowledge and expertise, gain new insights on various defence-related matters and a deeper understanding of emerging geopolitical and security.