Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al-Ansari
Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX)
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the ninth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026), held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, and organised and hosted by the Qatar Armed Forces from 19 to 22 January 2026.
Over its previous editions, DIMDEX has affirmed its leading position as the largest exhibition of its kind in maritime defence and security in the region. It has become a primary platform for showcasing complementary defence systems across land, air, and maritime domains to address the global demand of building a resilient defence ecosystem. Additionally, the exhibition highlights the latest innovations in technology systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence – fundamental components for the success of modern-day multidimensional defence missions.
In this edition, DIMDEX continues its expansion to encompass more defence and security sectors, along with essential accompanying events to discuss the latest security and defence challenges and propose suitable solutions. The exhibition duration has been extended to four days, in response to the unrelenting demands of international and national exhibitors, providing ample opportunities to engage with decision-makers and delegations, and facilitating agreements and business deals that benefit all participating entities on both commercial and economic levels.
DIMDEX will continue to host its key accompanying events, most notably the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC), which brings together an elite group of military leaders, decision-makers, experts, and academics from around the world to discuss the latest developments in defence and security, share knowledge, and exchange experiences to address emerging trends and provide a range of innovative solutions.
This edition will also continue the tradition of hosting visiting warships from international navies at Hamad Port, offering exhibitors and visitors the opportunity to explore the latest naval vessels and engage with their specialised crews.
We look forward to welcoming you to a new and successful edition of DIMDEX 2026.