Doha, Qatar, 19 January 2026

Amir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, inaugurated the ninth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026). The event underscores Qatar’s strategic role as a global nexus for defence and security dialogue and a catalyst for technological advancement in the sector.

Present on the occasion were also Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, ministers, ambassadors, chiefs of naval staff, and senior executives from leading global defence corporations. The Amir conducted an extensive tour of the expansive exhibition halls, engaging with exhibitors at key international pavilions and inspecting the advanced capabilities on display from all branches of the Qatar Armed Forces, highlighting the nation's growing indigenous expertise.

Maj Gen (Sea) Abdullah bin Hassan Al Sulaiti, Commander of the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces, delivered the keynote opening address. He stated, “In an era of complex and rapidly evolving security challenges, this exhibition provides an indispensable platform to access vital innovations, foster multilateral cooperation, and strengthen collective preparedness. DIMDEX actively embodies our national belief in proactive defence diplomacy and joint action as the foundation for ensuring lasting regional and international stability.” His remarks reinforced the conference’s role in translating dialogue into practical security outcomes.

The strategic significance of the forum was immediately demonstrated with the signing of several major contracts and memoranda of understanding in maritime defence on the opening day. These agreements, witnessed by the Deputy Prime Minister, signify tangible progress in international partnerships and capability development, moving beyond discussion to concrete action.

Held under the theme ‘A Global Hub for Defence Innovations,’ DIMDEX 2026 features unprecedented scale and participation. Over 200 companies from more than 30 countries are showcasing next-generation technologies across the full spectrum of naval, land, air, and cutting-edge support sectors. Special emphasis is placed on transformative domains like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, C5ISR systems, and unmanned platforms. The event’s prestige is further marked by a record-breaking attendance of over 110 official VIP delegations from across the globe, including defence ministers and military chiefs, highlighting its status as a must-attend event on the global defence calendar.

The Qatar Armed Forces are exhibiting with a major, unified presence across all branches, demonstrating interoperability and a modernized force structure. Concurrently, the visiting warships display at Hamad Port was officially opened, featuring eight vessels from six allied nations. The centrepiece is the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces' flagship, the multi-mission amphibious vessel ‘Al Fulk,’ the largest of its kind in the Gulf region, symbolizing Qatar’s advanced naval ambitions.

Key upcoming program highlights include the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference on 20 January, organized in partnership with the Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies. This high-level forum will tackle pressing themes under the banner “Defence Diplomacy and Maritime Security Challenges.” Adding a new interactive dimension, exhibitors will, for the first time, host dedicated technical workshops on the show floor, offering deep-dive presentations of their latest technologies directly to military delegations and industry partners.

Running until 22 January across more than 40,000 square metres at the Qatar National Convention Centre, DIMDEX 2026 provides a critical forum for strengthening national defence capabilities, facilitating essential high-level dialogue, and forging new international partnerships in an evolving security landscape. The event solidifies its position as a premier destination for defence industry innovation, strategic collaboration, and diplomatic engagement, contributing to a more secure tomorrow.