The Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) has announced a partnership agreement with the Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defense Studies to jointly host the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC). The MENC is a key feature of the ninth edition of DIMDEX which will take place from 19 to 22 January 2026 at the Qatar National Convention Center.
DIMDEX 2026 is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, and is hosted and organized by the Qatar Armed Forces.
Maritime defense and security sector
The partnership with the Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defense Studies is part of the ongoing cooperation
The agreement was signed at Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defense Studies by Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al-Ansari, Chairman of the DIMDEX Organizing Committee, and Staff Brigadier (Dr) Rajih Mohammed bin Aqeel Al-Nabet, President of Academy.
The partnership with the Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defense Studies is part of the ongoing cooperation among various sections of the Qatari Armed Forces, aimed at leveraging their combined expertise and capabilities to contribute to the success of one of the largest events in the maritime defense and security sector.
Latest developments in maritime defense and security
The Middle East Naval Commanders Conference will center on the theme of "Defense Diplomacy and Maritime Security Challenges".
As a pioneering forum, it will bring together international thought pioneers to discuss the latest developments in maritime defense and security within the context of this critical theme. The event will welcome senior government officials, ministers, ambassadors, Chiefs of Staff, naval commanders, experts, maritime professionals, and academics.
Defense and security sectors
The event will receive senior state officials, ministers, ambassadors, Chiefs of Staff, and naval chiefs
Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al-Ansari, Chairman of the DIMDEX Organizing Committee, said: “We are honored to partner with the Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defense Studies, a pioneering institution specializing in military sciences, to host the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference at DIMDEX 2026."
"Through our combined expertise, we aim to provide a premier platform for addressing critical issues facing the defense and security sectors, and for developing strategic insights to tackle emerging challenges on the global stage”.
Integration between civil and military institutions
Staff Brigadier (Dr) Rajih Mohammed bin Aqeel Al-Nabet, President of the Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defense Studies, stated: “The Academy remains firmly committed to enhancing joint cooperation and advancing academic military programmes at the national level. We place significant emphasis on organizing specialized training workshops and coordinating efforts in support of national events."
"Our work also reflects a strong commitment to our societal role, particularly in raising awareness of the importance of integration between civil and military institutions, thereby promoting strategic balance and reinforcing the strength of the home front. These efforts are guided by the Academy’s vision of leadership and excellence”.
Strategic policies and plans
“Through such initiatives, the Academy aspires to consolidate its standing as a pioneering institution in postgraduate defense studies, both regionally and internationally. Our goal is to develop distinguished military and civilian pioneers equipped with the skills to analyze security threats, assess risks, and formulate strategic policies and plans that enhance the nation’s security and stability”.
The Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defense Studies is a specialist academy dedicated to developing exceptional military and civilian pioneers.
Advanced military and academic knowledge
The Academy equips them with the skills to identify, understand, and analyze security threats
The Academy equips them with the skills to identify, understand, and analyze security threats, assess associated risks, and formulate effective policies, strategies, and plans to safeguard national security.
The Academy also plays a vital role in fostering strategic thinking, planning capabilities, and national policy development, enabling students to acquire advanced military and academic knowledge at the strategic level.
Future-ready maritime technologies
Held under the theme “A Global Hub for Defense Innovations: Invest in Possibilities to Shape a Secure Tomorrow,” DIMDEX 2026 is set to be the most impactful edition yet, bringing together key decision-makers, industry pioneers, and government representatives from across the globe.
The four-day event will serve as a key driver in fostering innovation, encouraging strategic investments in future-ready maritime technologies, and driving business opportunities for participating companies.