Members of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2020) organising committee have concluded a visit to the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEi) in London, held from 10 to 13 September.  

The committee’s visit to DSEi earlier last week was part of the robust industry engagement programme of DIMDEX, the aim of which is to strengthen relations and establish new ties with industry leaders, especially that DSEi is a major event in the global defence and security industry that connects industry leaders from the aerospace, land, naval, security and joint domains.

At the four-day event, representatives of the DIMDEX organising committee took the opportunity to promote its upcoming seventh edition. The event, which is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, and proudly hosted and organised by Qatar Armed Forces, will take place in Doha next year from 16 to 18 March.

Members of the delegation took the opportunity to connect with many confirmed DIMDEX 2020 participants and engage in a series of insightful meetings during which the exhibitors discussed the innovative technological showcases that will be part of the upcoming edition of DIMDEX.

Staff Brigadier (SEA) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al Ansari, Chairman of the organising committee of DIMDEX, said: “Our participation at this year’s edition of DSEi London presented us with a platform to connect with industry leaders and advance stakeholder engagement. We are delighted to report high levels of expected turnout for DIMDEX 2020 from the DSEi attendees.

“Today’s technological progress occurs rapidly to supplement the ever-evolving international defence landscape, and it is vital for us to stay updated on the latest maritime defence and security advancements and to share our expertise.”

The event has grown each year since its launch in 2008 and is now internationally recognised as a platform for businesses from the global defence industry to showcase their latest solutions to government entities and industry peers to initiate new partnerships. DIMDEX 2018 captured this growing success with the signature of a record-breaking 35 partnerships, agreements, and memorandums of understanding, and over 13,000 visitors – including 180 exhibitors.

DIMDEX 2020, which is held under the theme ‘Connecting the World’s Maritime Defence and Security Community’, is set to be bigger and more diverse than ever before. As in previous years, it will feature the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC), which brings together industry leaders to discuss regional and international trends in maritime defence and security. It will also include the popular visiting warship display, as well as a range of fringe events. Attendees will be able to connect with official VIP delegations through the Delegate Management System (DMS), an innovative networking facilitation solution that features business matching services.

Staff Brigadier (SEA) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al Ansari added: “As organisers, we are keen to provide exhibitors, visitors, and attendees with first-class facilities and services that help them accomplish their commercial goals. Since 2008, Qatar has grown in its ability to provide a world-class platform for technology, maritime defence and security industry capabilities, representing opportunities for business and industry leaders to yield unparalleled results.”

As knowledge-exchange and partnerships with global key players continue to advance Qatar’s role within the global defence industry, the DIMDEX leadership team will continue to promote the event’s international reputation as a fixture within the maritime defence and security calendar.