Doha, 06 March 2024

The eighth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2024), hosted and organised by Qatar Armed Forces at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), concluded today with strong presence from international and local exhibitors and a large number of visitors.

2024 DIMDEX ran from 4 to 6 March held under the theme 'Igniting the Future Of Maritime Security and Beyond' achieved unprecedented success, surpassing all previous editions. During the show, more than QAR 5 billion worth of contracts were signed in addition to various MoUs and Letters of Intent.

Over 25,000 visitors witnessed over more than 200 international and national display of latest innovative defense and maritime products from more than 200 international and national companies in addition to 9 international pavilions.

Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al-Ansari, Chairman of the Organising Committee of DIMDEX 2024 in his concluding remarks sdaid that the eighth edition of DIMDEX was a resounding success, with a large number of international and local companies participating, as well as more than 110 official VIP delegations.

He revealed that this year, the value of contracts exceeded QAR 5 billion, reaffirming the international exhibition's position as a major platform for companies to facilitate agreements and lock-in commercial contracts.

Large participation of international maritime defence and security organizations along with the number of visitors emphasized its importance as one of the specialized events in the international maritime defence and security domain, in line with the country's strategy to strengthen its global position in hosting expertise-led major events.

DIMDEX also highlighted the latest innovations in the fields of technology, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, which have all proven critical to the success of today’s defence missions.

He said that DIMDEX demonstrates the State of Qatar's commitment to offering a platform for showcasing the most modern defence innovations, as well as an opportunity for major companies to showcase solutions to the most pressing current and future challenges.

The event also highlighted the country’s efforts to build long-term partnerships, expand economic prospects, and stimulate growth. We look forward to a new and successful edition of DIMDEX in 2026, as we continue to contribute to the goals of the National Vision 2030 of achieving economic diversification and promoting development across various fields.

National companies, authorities, and institutions had a notable presence, with an active participation from the Qatar Armed Forces and its various branches. The event also witnessed the inauguration of Project 401 for Special Operations, which features Special Operations Training Centres dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of special forces and counter-terrorism units globally.

The maritime defence exhibition this year expanded its offerings to include other critical defence categories that complement the maritime ecosystem's safety and security, with exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations and integrated solutions in this domain.

In addition to the main exhibition, the event hosted the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference in partnership with the Strategic Studies Centre, and featured international speakers, academics and military leaders.

Hamad Port Qatar welcomed 8 warships as part of the visiting warships display. Maj. Gen. (Dr/Air) Rashid HamadAl-Nuaimi, Commander of the Strategic Studies Centre of the Qatar Armed

• • Forces said:“We are honoured to organise the Middle East  Naval Commanders Conference which brings together military leaders, academics and experts to discuss the challenges facing maritime security and their impact on global economies and the strategies needed to over come them. By leveraging the expertise and knowledge of these military leaders, academics and experts, the conference aims to delve into various critical topics that touch on the maritime security domain, the security of sea crossings and the important role technology and artificial intelligence can play in achieving and enhancing maritime security as a whole.”

    Maj. Gen. (Navy) Abdullah bin Hassan Al-Sulaiti, Commander of the Qatar Amiri Naval Forces, said: “Today,

    maritime security has become a critical matter, as the seas and oceans represent the most important routes for the movement of global trade between countries with the maritime sector contributing significantly to the global economy. The conference will address the economic, regional, and global implications of maritime challenges, as well as delve deeply into the perspectives and extensive knowledge of experts and

    professionals, benefiting from their industry related and practical experiences in dealing with these challenges, and o8ering potential strategies that can contribute to setting a solutions framework.”

    The conference's theme comes in line with the current challenges facing maritime trade routes, which account for over 90% of global trade, leading to disruptions in the global economy.

    Two sessions featuring high-level speakers The conference was divided into two sessions, with high-level

    speakers providing in-depth insights into the best practices to deal with current maritime challenges.

    The<rst session was moderated by Prof. Osama Kubbar, a senior expert and policy analyst at the Strategic Studies Centre of the Qatar University, addressed the role of advanced technology in the security and defence industry, while Marine Maj. General Emmanuel Salers, Commander of Indian Ocean Naval Regional

    and Commander of the French forces stationed in the United Arab Emirates, spoke on the safety of maritime navigation and the preservation of submarine cables and continental shelf. For

    his part,  Dr. Mohamed  AlDuranni, Assistant Professor of Cyber security at the Qatar Community College, addressed the advantages and disadvantages of arti<cial intelligence.

    For more information and registration for the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference, please visit www.dimdex.com.

  Staff Maj Gen. (Dr/Air) Rashid Hamad Al-Nuaimi, Commander of the Strategic Studies Centre of the Qatar Armed

  Forces said: “We are honoured to organise the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference which brings together military leaders, academics and experts to discuss the challenges facing maritime security and their impact on global economies and the strategies needed to over come them. By leveraging the expertise and knowledge of these military leaders, academics and experts, the conference aims to delve into various critical to pics that touch on the maritime security domain, the security ofsea crossings and the important role technology and arti<cial intelligence can play in achieving and enhancing maritime security as a whole.”

  Maj. Gen. (Navy) Abdullah bin Hassan Al-Sulaiti, Commander of the Qatar Amiri Naval Forces, said: “Today,

  maritime security has become a critical matter, as the seas and oceans represent the most import an troutes for the movement of global trade between countries with the maritime sector contributing significantly to the global economy.

  AlSulaiti said the conference will address the economic, regional, and global implications of maritime challenges, as well as delve deeply into the perspectives and extensive knowledge of experts and professionals, benefiting from their industry related and practical experiences in dealing with these challenges, and o8ering potential strategies that can contribute to setting a solutions framework.”

  The conference's theme comes inline with the current challenges facing maritime trade routes, which account for over 90% of global trade, leading to disruptions in the global economy.

  Two sessions featuring high-level speakers. The conference was divided into two sessions, with high-level

  speakers providing in-depth insights in to the best practices to deal with current maritime challenges. The<rstsession was moderated by Prof. Osama Kubbar, a senior expert and  policy analysis tat the Strategic Studies Centre  of the Qatar University, addressed the role of advanced technology in the security and defence industry, while Marine Maj. Gen. E mmanuel Salers, Commander of Indian Ocean Naval Regional and Commander of the French forces stationed in the United Arab Emirates.

  Arab Emirates, spoke on the safety of maritime navigation and the preservation of submarine cables and continental shelf. For his part, Dr. Mohamed AlDuranni, Assistant Prof. Cyber security at the Qatar Community College, add over ressed the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence.

  For more information and registration for the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference, please visitwww.dimdex.com. You can also follow our social media pages on Platform X, Facebook, and YouTube at @DIMDEX_Qatar