UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH TAMIM BIN HAMAD AL THANI, AMIR OF THE STATE OF QATAR, HEAD OF STATE AND SUPREME COMMANDER OF QATAR ARMED FORCES
The Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC), one of the key features of each edition of DIMDEX, convenes high-ranking practitioners, senior naval leaders, distinguished academics, and strategic thinkers from across the globe. This high-level forum provides a platform for in-depth discussions on the latest regional and international developments in maritime defence and security, while facilitating the exchange of expertise, perspectives, and forward-looking insights that shape the future of the sector.
As nations grow increasingly reliant on maritime routes for trade, energy, and strategic mobility, maritime security challenges, such as piracy, regional conflicts, illegal fishing, and naval competition necessitate collaborative solutions among relevant stakeholders. Defence diplomacy, through military partnerships, joint exercises, and maritime agreements, plays a crucial role in fostering trust and promoting stability in contested waters. By encouraging cooperation, transparency, and adherence to a rules-based international order, nations can collectively mitigate threats and prevent conflict, with defence diplomacy serving as a key pillar of maritime security.
In this context, the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC) will convene under the theme “Defence Diplomacy and Maritime Security Challenges”. The conference will serve as an academic platform to examine the intersection of defence diplomacy and maritime security, and to develop strategies aimed at enhancing stability at sea. It will also highlight the importance of multilateral frameworks in securing critical sea lanes and safeguarding nations’ economic and strategic interests.
First introduced at the inaugural edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) in 2008, the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC) has evolved into one of the event’s flagship features. Over the years, MENC has cemented its reputation as a premier platform for strategic dialogue, consistently bringing together high-ranking officials, distinguished academics, and defence industry thought leaders from around the world to explore the latest regional and international developments in maritime defence and security.
This section offers a summary of key MENC highlights over the years:
DIMDEX 2008: “Challenges, Capabilities and Co-operation”
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DIMDEX 2010: “Delivering Security at Sea: Policy, Technology and Operations”
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DIMDEX 2012: “The Strategic Importance of Maritime Security in Protecting the Global Economy: The Role of Technology and Naval Co-operation in Security Trade at Sea”
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DIMDEX 2014: “Maritime Domain Spotlight – MENA Region and International Strategic Trends”
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DIMDEX 2016: “The Maritime Domain — The Centre of Gravity for the Regional Security Complex of the Arabian Gulf”
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DIMDEX 2018: “Building Capabilities in Challenging Environments Through Visionary International Military Cooperation and Defence Engagement”
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DIMDEX 2022: “Resilience in the Maritime Domain – Confronting Asymmetric Threats”
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DIMDEX 2024: “Exploring Economic Growth Opportunities Amid Security Challenges and Their Global Implications”
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If you are interested in participating in Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC) as a speaker, or require further information about MENC, please contact our representative at conference@dimdex.com.