Leading MENA maritime and military event hosts four key elements for visitors and exhibitors including the Exhibition, VIP Delegations, Visiting Warships and MENC

Doha, Qatar, 5 February 2018: With the sixth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2018) fast approaching, the organising committee held a briefing session attended by Major General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Sulaiti, Commander of the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces, defence and commercial attachés, representatives from the military and the media at Al-Sharq Hotel.

The attendees at the briefing were provided with updates on the features of DIMDEX 2018, that is held under the patronage of His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, and that will take place over three days from 12-14 March at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). The briefing shared essential organisational details and technical information for the smooth participation of delegates.

Major General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Sulaiti, Commander of the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces welcomed attendees at the briefing and wished them a successful participation in the sixth edition; “I look forward to meeting the VIP Delegations and discussing the latest topics related to maritime security and defence.”

Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi S. Al-Ansari, Chairman of DIMDEX, presented an overview of the progress DIMDEX has witnessed over the past decade and introduced attendees to the various aspects and attractions of the show. Staff Brigadier (Sea) Al-Ansari said; “This year, we celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the MENA region's leading international maritime defence exhibition and conference, as it continues to attract exhibitors and visitors from all over the globe. DIMDEX has become an established and highly-anticipated global event and the organising committee is putting the finishing touches on the preparations to present another successful edition.”

Staff Brigadier (Sea) Al-Ansari added: “We are proud of the Qatar Armed Forces for organising a world-class programme that promises to be much more than a defence exhibition. The four key elements of DIMDEX 2018 will provide attendees with a wealth of opportunities to grow and establish new partnerships with leading businesses and key procurement decision makers. This includes the Exhibition, the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC), networking with VIP Delegation, and Visiting Warship Display, that will all take place under this year’s theme ‘A World-Class Platform for Technology, Maritime & Defence Industry Capabilities.’”

Insights into the opportunities to network with VIPs and senior defence decision-makers were provided, with the VIP Delegation & Protocol Director speaking of how official VIP delegations comprising of Ministers of Defence, Chiefs of Staff, Chiefs of Navies, Coastguard Commanders and heads of defence industries, had been invited to participate. In addition, details were shared on how exhibitors can access key stakeholders via the advanced Delegate Management System (DMS) that has been designed to ensure efficient scheduling to establish new business opportunities.

Furthermore, details about the security protocol and logistics for the Visiting Warships and their organised activities, and the sports tournament between the crews, were discussed. It was also highlighted that the highly anticipated Visiting Warships Display will for the first time take place at the newly opened Hamad Port.

Qatar Armed Forces Head of International Cooperation Department and Director of MENC, Staff Brigadier (Sea) Tariq Khalid Al-Obaidly, announced this year’s MENC theme; ‘Building capabilities in Challenging Environments through Visionary International Military Cooperation and Defence Engagement.’ The team reinforced that the conference is designed to promote international military collaboration and exchange, to accomplish global peace and security, alongside the protection of shores, borders and assets. As one of the four key elements of DIMDEX 2018, MENC gathers leading defence experts to discuss strategic topics that affect security in the region and beyond, through a united vision.

The region's leading maritime defence show highlights ongoing interests in global defence and security, educating industry leaders in matters of protecting critical offshore infrastructure and trade routes upon which global economies rely. DIMDEX also attracts VIP decision-makers from all over the world, exhibitors and visitors strengthening Doha’s position as a burgeoning business hub and offering global vendors valuable commercial opportunities to lucrative markets.

To register or for more information on participating or attending DIMDEX, please visitwww.dimdex.com, or alternatively for the latest news follow DIMDEX on Twitter, Facebook, andYouTube.