Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the 9th edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) was inaugurated this morning at the Qatar National Convention Centre.
In remarks on the occasion, HH the Amir said that the DIMDEX maritime defence exhibition and conference represents a leading global platform in the sector and continues to gain momentum through the important partnerships and significant investments it delivers. These, HH the Amir noted, help drive innovation and the development of technological solutions for defence and security systems that support international stability and peace. HH the Amir also wished the accompanying conference every success.
The inauguration ceremony commenced with the playing of the national anthem, followed by the screening of a film highlighting the roles and responsibilities of the Qatar Armed Forces at the national and international levels. This was followed by a speech delivered by HE Abdullah bin Hassan Al Sulaiti, Commander of the Qatar Amiri Naval Forces Major General (Navy).
HH the Amir then toured the exhibition, reviewing the latest technologies, equipment, and innovations in the maritime defence and security sector. These were presented by local and international companies, including manufacturers and suppliers of technological systems for naval shipbuilding, communications, radar systems, missiles, naval mines, cybersecurity, counter-piracy, artificial intelligence, and other specialised maritime industries and services within the military defence ecosystem.
The inauguration was attended by a number of Their Excellencies Sheikhs, ministers, senior security and military officials, as well as Their Excellencies ministers who are guests of the conference from brotherly and friendly countries.
The ninth edition of the DIMDEX 2026 launched under the ‘A Global Hub for Defence Innovations – Invest in Possibilities to Shape a Secure Tomorrow,’ is the largest and most extensive edition since the event’s inception. This reflects the growing interest of international companies in the exhibition, which has become one of the most prominent events on the global defence agenda and a key platform for showcasing the latest innovations and technologies addressing emerging needs and requirements in the defence and security sectors.
DIMDEX 2026 features the participation of more than 200 international and national companies specialising in defence and security, in addition to eight major international pavilions. It also sees wide participation from national and local companies operating in related sectors, as well as the Qatar Armed Forces across its various branches.
Source: GCO Qatar
