The Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) will see EDGE, a prominent advanced technology group, stepping in as the Main Sponsor for its ninth edition. This event is scheduled to occur from January 19 to 22, 2026, at the Qatar National Convention Centre.
Under the high patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, DIMDEX 2026 highlights the theme "A Global Hub for Defense Innovations: Invest in Possibilities to Shape a Secure Tomorrow," reflecting its importance in the global security sector.
EDGE's participation as a new sponsor in Qatar's key international defense and security exhibition signifies the growing international interest in DIMDEX. The event has become a critical platform for unveiling groundbreaking technology, state-of-the-art defense systems, and advanced maritime equipment.
Significant Partnership Signed
The partnership, celebrated for enhancing commercial, collaborative, and international investment opportunities, was formalized at a signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Defense.
Present at the event were HE Lt Gen (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai, Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces, and Rashed AlHashmi from EDGE.
The agreement was officially signed by Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al-Ansari, Chairman of the DIMDEX Organizing Committee, and Salma AlMansoori, SVP of Marketing and Communications at EDGE.
Collaboration with Regional Stakeholders
HE Lt Gen (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai emphasized the importance of regional collaboration, stating that by working with neighboring nations and stakeholders, they aim to tackle emerging challenges with advanced solutions, securing a resilient future.
Robust partnerships and enhanced capabilities are key to addressing dynamic defense and security requirements.
EDGE's Global Outlook
Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al-Ansari expressed enthusiasm about EDGE's sponsorship, highlighting that DIMDEX offers an ideal stage for EDGE to present its technological innovations to an international audience, thus expanding its global reach and business prospects.
Focus on Advanced Technologies
Founded in 2019 in the UAE, EDGE focuses on developing agile solutions for defense sectors
Hamad Al Marar, EDGE's Managing Director and CEO, remarked on the significance of this sponsorship as it aligns with their ambition to lead in advanced defense and maritime technologies.
Founded in 2019 in the UAE, EDGE focuses on developing agile solutions for defense sectors, aiming to support national security through Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies. Its portfolio includes next-generation systems, smart weapons, and advanced electronic warfare solutions.
DIMDEX's Role in Global Security
DIMDEX has matured into an essential event in the global maritime defense calendar, serving not only as an exhibition but also as a platform for strategic dialogue and partnership building.
It continues to reinforce Qatar's contribution to advancing global security and shaping the future of maritime defense through collaborations and innovations.
The Organizing Committee of the Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) has announced that EDGE, one of the world’s pioneering advanced technology groups, will be the Main Sponsor of the ninth edition of the event, set to take place from 19 to 22 January 2026 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).
Held over four days, DIMDEX 2026 takes place under the esteemed 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 hosted and organized by the Qatar Armed Forces, under the theme: “A Global Hub for Defense Innovations: Invest in Possibilities to Shape a Secure Tomorrow.”
Participating for the first time in Qatar’s flagship international defense and security exhibition, EDGE’s sponsorship underscores the growing global interest in DIMDEX, which has evolved into a premier international platform for exhibitors to showcase the latest technological breakthroughs, cutting-edge defense systems, and state-of-the-art maritime equipment.
Signing ceremony
The partnership further enhances opportunities for commercial exchange, industry collaboration, and international investment.
The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Defense in the presence of HE Lt Gen (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai, Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces and Rashed AlHashmi, Sr. Manager, Executive Office and Special Projects at Office of the MD and CEO of EDGE.
The agreement was inked by Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al-Ansari, Chairman of the DIMDEX Organizing Committee, and Salma AlMansoori, SVP of Marketing and Communications at EDGE.
Close collaboration with neighbouring nations
HE Lt Gen (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai, Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces stated: “Through close collaboration with neighbouring nations and regional stakeholders, we strive to anticipate emerging challenges and deploy advanced solutions, building a resilient and secure future grounded in collective progress.”
“Strengthening security and stability across the region requires fostering robust partnerships, enhancing our capabilities, and leveraging shared expertise to address evolving defense and security needs effectively.”
Strong global reputation
Commenting on the announcement, Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al-Ansari, Chairman of the DIMDEX Organizing Committee, said: “We are delighted to welcome EDGE as the Main Sponsor of the ninth edition of DIMDEX, in addition to being an exhibitor in the event.”
“With its strong global reputation as a leader in advanced defense-related technology, DIMDEX offers the ideal platform for EDGE to showcase its innovations to an international audience, opening new avenues to expand its global presence and business opportunities, while also strengthening the region’s capabilities to meet evolving defense and security challenges.”
“We look forward to a successful collaboration with EDGE and to witnessing the positive impact of their participation at this edition of DIMDEX.”
Advanced defense and maritime technologies
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO, EDGE, said: “EDGE joins DIMDEX 2026 as the Main Sponsor for the first time, demonstrating the scale of our ambition and our determination to lead in advanced defense and maritime technologies.”
“This debut highlights the strength of our portfolio, the value we place in regional and global collaboration, and our focus on delivering solutions designed for export.”
Launched in 2019 in the UAE, EDGE is one of the world’s pioneering advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defense and beyond.
4IR technologies
Focusing on harnessing Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, EDGE is advancing sovereign capabilities for global export and national security.
Working with customers and international partners, EDGE’s portfolio of highly competitive solutions includes next-generation land and naval systems, autonomous capabilities, smart weapons, propulsion systems, and advanced electronic warfare solutions.
DIMDEX
The Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) has grown into a premier international event on the global maritime defense and security calendar.
Beyond its role as an exhibition, it serves as a strategic platform for showcasing innovation, forging partnerships, and facilitating high-level dialog vital to strengthening defense cooperation at both national and international levels.
By promoting investment, innovation and sustainable collaboration, DIMDEX continues to underline Qatar’s pivotal role in advancing global security and shaping the future of maritime defense.
