Doha, 22 Jan 2026

The ninth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) concluded on Thursday at the Qatar National Convention Centre, under the gracious patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces (may Allah protect him). The event was hosted and organised by the Qatari Armed Forces and marked a significant milestone in the history of the exhibition.

DIMDEX 2026 was the largest edition since the event’s launch, reflecting its growing international standing and strategic relevance. Over four days, the exhibition brought together more than 200 local and international companies and featured eight major international pavilions. High-level official delegations exceeded 130, representing 82 countries, underscoring the global confidence placed in Qatar as a hub for defence dialogue and cooperation. More than 70 agreements, contracts, and memoranda of understanding were signed during the exhibition, with a total value surpassing QAR 18.5 billion, reinforcing DIMDEX’s position as a leading event on the global defence calendar.

The exhibition also recorded strong public and professional engagement, with attendance exceeding 32,000 visitors. In addition to the main exhibition halls, visitors had the opportunity to explore visiting international naval vessels showcased at Hamad Port, offering a tangible demonstration of maritime capabilities and cooperation.

DIMDEX 2026 presented a comprehensive display of the latest innovations and advanced technologies across the maritime, land, and air domains. Exhibits included defence systems and support solutions such as cybersecurity technologies, anti-piracy systems, artificial intelligence applications, C5ISR systems, remote-control technologies, and unmanned platforms. This wide-ranging focus highlighted the evolving nature of defence and security and the increasing importance of integrated, technology-driven solutions.

A key highlight of the event was the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC), held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, and organised in collaboration with the Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies. Convened under the theme “Defence Diplomacy and Maritime Security Challenges,” the conference gathered senior military leaders, experts, and academics to discuss pressing regional and international maritime issues. The discussions emphasised the critical role of international cooperation in addressing shared challenges and enhancing global security and stability.

The outcomes of DIMDEX 2026 confirmed that the exhibition has evolved beyond a specialised defence showcase into a strategic platform that supports the national economy, facilitates knowledge and technology transfer, and contributes to building national capabilities. This progress aligns with the State of Qatar’s vision to strengthen defence decision-making independence and foster an integrated and resilient security ecosystem.

His Excellency Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani praised the success of the ninth edition and its qualitative outcomes. He noted that DIMDEX reflects Qatar’s commitment to responsible defence cooperation, constructive dialogue, and the development of long-term strategic partnerships. He highlighted that, amid rapid geopolitical and technological changes, multilateral cooperation has become essential for achieving sustainable security, particularly in safeguarding waterways and freedom of navigation.

In concluding remarks, His Excellency called for continued collective efforts to strengthen global security foundations and expressed optimism for the tenth edition in 2028, which aims to further enhance defence capabilities and solidify Qatar’s position as a trusted and reliable international partner in global security.