The Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (DIMDEX 2018) today hosted prominent naval defence commanders, thought-leaders and experts from different parts of the world, at the anticipated Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC) titled “Building Capabilities in Challenging Environments through Visionary International Military Cooperation and Defence Engagement”, under the auspices of H.E. Dr. Khaled bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, and sponsored by Raytheon.

The conference, held during the second day of DIMDEX at the Qatar National Convention Centre, offered participating delegates the opportunity to discuss the importance of long-term strategic planning and potential methods of building military and defence capabilities across the Arabian Gulf, and the Arabian and Red Sea.

The conference saw the participation of nine navy commander speakers including Vice Admiral Valter Girardelli, Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy; Vice Admiral John C. Aquilino, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Central Command U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces; Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Commanding-In-Chief Western Naval Command; Staff Brigadier (Sea) Tariq al Obaidli, Head of the International Military Cooperation Authority; Dr. Andrew Dorman, Professor of International Security , Defence Studies Department at King’s College London; Rear Admiral Didier Piaton, Commander of French Joint Forces in the Indian Ocean; Rear Admiral Roy Sakai, Director General of Operations and Plans Department; Rear Admiral Jaimie C. F. Hatcher, Commander joint Task Force 633; and Rear Admiral (LH) Yavuz Kilic, Head of Pland and Policy Department.

Launching the conference, H.E. Major General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Sulaiti, Commander of the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces, said: “it is our honor to welcome you all to the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC), a platform that offers regional naval leaders the opportunity to exchange strategic international collaboration ideas that determines regional policy and procurement decisions in the maritime defence industry. We hope you enjoy touring exhibition

over the next two days, and learn more about the latest security and maritime defence technologies and innovations from across the world.”

In his opening speech, Staff Brigadier (Sea) Tariq Khalid Al-Obaidli, Head of the Military Cooperation Authority and the panel chairman of MENC 2018, said: "This year's theme reflects Qatar’s ongoing efforts in becoming a key hub for leading maritime capacity enhancement events and programmes around the world. The Middle East Naval Commanders Conference provides the opportune dialogue platform for the world’s leading maritime defence and security decision makers to discuss the major factors affecting the prospects for international navies and militaries, as well as the military and maritime industry in the region, and ultimately reach to additional international collaborations to overcome the challenges facing the region.”

DIMDEX 2018, themed ‘A World-Class Platform for Technology, Maritime & Defence Industry Capabilities‘,  is being held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, and hosted and organised by Qatar Armed Forces, over three days until Wednesday (14 March) at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).

With 180 global exhibitors from around the world taking part in this year’s 10th edition across the defence, maritime and security sectors, DIMDEX has earnt its position as one of the most prestigious maritime defence shows in the region.