The Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) is set to expand its role as a global platform for maritime defense, announced its Organizing Committee during a recent diplomat briefing.
The event, scheduled for 19-22 January 2026 at the Qatar National Convention Center, aims to address significant industry needs while providing critical logistical support for participants.
DIMDEX 2026: A Strategic Gathering
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, DIMDEX 2026 is organized and hosted by the Qatar Armed Forces.
The briefing, which took place at the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces base (Umm Al Houl), was attended by ambassadors, military attachés, and media representatives, highlighting the event's growing commercial impact and strategic global partnerships.
Significant Commercial Opportunities
Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Al-Ansari, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, emphasized DIMDEX’s role as a conduit for commercial opportunities and collaborations in the maritime defense sector.
He noted the readiness for this expanded edition to foster networking and facilitate substantial business deals, ensuring comprehensive support for visiting delegates and warships.
Commitment to Security and Innovation
“DIMDEX continues to grow in significance in light of the rapidly evolving challenges our world faces today," stated Al-Ansari. The event reflects Qatar’s commitment to supporting global security and stability, and its notable increase in exhibitors, delegations, and signed agreements demonstrates its international appeal.
Latest Defense Innovations on Display
DIMDEX responds to industry demand with advanced solutions and strategic insights into maritime defense
The exhibition will feature more than 200 companies, both national and international, displaying cutting-edge military technologies.
Introducing a series of specialized workshops from 20-22 January, DIMDEX responds to industry demand with advanced solutions and strategic insights into maritime defense.
High-Level Engagement and Strategic Meetings
Complementing the exhibition, the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference, organized in partnership with the Joaan Bin Jassim Joint Command and Staff College, offers a platform to explore defense diplomacy amid maritime security challenges.
High-ranking delegates, including ministers and naval commanders, will attend, alongside visiting warships open to guests throughout the event.
Exploring Maritime Security Challenges
Staff Colonel (Air) Jarrah Sabah Al-Abdallah remarked on the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference theme, “Defense Diplomacy and Maritime Security Challenges.” This conference will analyze strategies to enhance maritime stability and safeguard economic interests.
DIMDEX: A Hub for Defense Networking
DIMDEX serves as a significant networking venue, facilitating bilateral and multilateral meetings between senior defense leaders and industry representatives.
The Delegation Management System ensures coordinated interactions promising potential agreements and investments in defense innovations.
Boosting Local Economy and Security
DIMDEX 2026 will span 40,000 square meters across seven halls, hosting international defense companies and emerging enterprises.
Besides showcasing advanced defense solutions, the event is expected to enhance Qatar's security and prosperity, aligning with the Qatar National Vision 2030, and contributing to the local economy through increased participation.
As part of its preparations for the ninth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026), the Organizing Committee convened a diplomat briefing to provide updates on the event's significant evolution as a global defense platform, its growing commercial impact, and its responsiveness to industry needs, alongside essential information and logistical arrangements related to participation.
The event took place at the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces base (Umm Al Houl), with the attendance of ambassadors, representatives from diplomatic missions, military and commercial attachés accredited to Qatar, alongside members of the media.
DIMDEX 2026
DIMDEX 2026 is held 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, and is organized and hosted by the Qatar Armed Forces.
The event will take place from 19 to 22 January 2026 at the Qatar National Convention Centre, under the theme “A Global Hub for Defense Innovations: Invest in Possibilities to Shape a Secure Tomorrow”.
Gateway for commercial opportunities
During his address, Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Al-Ansari, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of DIMDEX, underscored the event's remarkable journey and its critical role as a gateway for commercial opportunities and strategic partnerships within the global maritime defense sector.
He emphasized the committee’s readiness to deliver a new and expanded edition of DIMDEX, highlighting its proven contribution to sparking collaborations, fostering networking, and facilitating significant commercial deals.
The briefing also provided pertinent information for the participation of VIP delegations and visiting warships, assuring full logistical and administrative support for all participants.
DIMDEX's steadfast commitment
“DIMDEX continues to grow in significance in light of the rapidly evolving challenges our world faces today, contributing to the advancement of defense capabilities essential for safeguarding national sovereignty, protecting resources, and ensuring the security and safety of nations and peoples. DIMDEX reflects the State of Qatar’s steadfast commitment to supporting security and stability and reaffirms its position as a prominent international event that attracts the world’s pioneering defense companies."
"It continues to open new horizons for cooperation and business opportunities, which has been clearly demonstrated through the notable growth in the numbers of exhibitors, delegations, and visitors, as well as in the value of contracts and agreements signed during previous editions,” he said.
Latest innovations and military technologies
“The exhibition will feature the participation of more than 200 national and international defense and related companies, in addition to 8 major national pavilions showcasing the latest innovations and military technologies."
"For the first time, DIMDEX 2026 will be extended to four days, and will host a series of specialized workshops introduced in direct response to exhibitor demand, demonstrating DIMDEX Organisers' commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of the commercial industry."
"These workshops, delivered by exhibitors from 20 to 22 January 2026, will present their advanced solutions, innovative technologies, and strategic insights on the future of maritime defense and security,” added Staff Brigadier (Sea) Al-Ansari.
High-level official delegations
He also highlighted the other activities accompanying the event, including the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference, organized this year in partnership with the Joaan Bin Jassim Joint Command and Staff College, as well as the hosting of high-level official delegations comprising ministers, ambassadors, naval commanders, and senior military and government officials.
The event will also feature visiting warships at Hamad Port, open to delegations and visitors throughout the exhibition days, in addition to the sports tournament for the visiting naval crews.
Evolving challenges to maritime security
Talking about this year’s conference, Staff Colonel (Air) Jarrah Sabah Al-Abdallah, from the Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defense Studies, partners of the Middle East Naval Commanders conference (MENC) stated: “The Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC) will convene under the theme “Defense Diplomacy and Maritime Security Challenges”. The conference will serve as an academic platform to examine the intersection of defense 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."
"The conference will feature distinguished local and international speakers, naval commanders from across the globe, as well as pioneering academics, who will deliberate on the latest geopolitical trends and the evolving challenges to maritime security.”
DIMDEX’s significant role in offering extensive options
The presentation highlighted DIMDEX’s significant role in offering extensive opportunities for networking and engagement with senior defense figures and delegations, including ministers of defense, chiefs of staff, naval commanders, coastguard pioneers, and representatives from defense companies.
The event enables bilateral and multilateral meetings designed to strengthen ties, foster relationships, and explore potential agreements and business contracts. Additionally, its dedicated Delegation Management System ensures the seamless coordination of meetings between exhibitors and national defense decision-makers from around the world.
latest integrated and advanced defense innovations
The Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) is a vital platform for showcasing the latest integrated and advanced defense innovations, offering exhibitors unique opportunities to secure business deals and achieve returns on investment.
DIMDEX 2026 will feature a wide range of international companies specializing in advanced defense solutions and technologies, alongside emerging small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to strengthen their presence in the defense sector.
The exhibition space will span 40,000 square metres across seven halls at the Qatar National Convention Centre. The event also contributes to boosting the local economy by attracting thousands of participants and visitors, while enhancing the security and prosperity of the State of Qatar, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.
