The Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) will once again feature MBDA as a Gold Sponsor, as announced by the event's organizing committee. This significant security and defense exhibition is scheduled from January 19 to 22, 2026, at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC). Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar and Supreme Commander of the Qatar Armed Forces, the event is both hosted and organized by the Qatar Armed Forces.
DIMDEX serves as a significant platform for exchanging expertise, fostering technological innovation, and promoting strategic partnerships among global defense leaders, stakeholders, investors, and military officials. MBDA's Gold Sponsorship underlines the importance of international collaboration in the advancement of defense systems, marking the company's enduring relationship with DIMDEX and an opportunity to showcase the latest in defense innovations.
Signing Ceremony and Strategic Relationships
A signing ceremony was conducted at the Ministry of Defense, attended by HE Lt Gen (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai, Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces. The agreement was formalized by Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al-Ansari, Chairman of the DIMDEX Organizing Committee, and Toby Broughton, General Manager of MBDA Qatar.
HE Lt Gen (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai highlighted the importance of collaboration in the current complex security environment, emphasizing that shared efforts are crucial for addressing global challenges while fostering stability through dialogue and innovation. Staff Brigadier Al-Ansari expressed pride in welcoming MBDA as a Gold Sponsor, underscoring their strategic relationship and the valuable opportunities DIMDEX provides for showcasing advancements in defense technologies and fostering global cooperation.
MBDA's Commitment and Role
The company is unique in Europe for its capability to design and produce complex weapon systems
MBDA's General Manager in Qatar, Toby Broughton, noted the company's excitement to continue its sponsorship for DIMDEX 2026, emphasizing their longstanding support for the Qatar Armed Forces with advanced missile systems. He mentioned MBDA's commitment to being a leading partner for over 50 years and looked forward to a successful exhibition.
The company is unique in Europe for its capability to design and produce complex weapon systems covering land, sea, and air. This capability reinforces its role in meeting national defense requirements through innovation and collaboration.
DIMDEX's Global Impact and Support
DIMDEX stands as a key event on the global maritime defense calendar, doubling as a strategic platform for innovation, partnerships, and meaningful dialogue. It is crucial for bolstering defense cooperation on both national and international fronts. By nurturing investment, technological innovation, and sustainable collaboration, DIMDEX accentuates Qatar's key contributions to global security and the advancement of maritime defense.
The event also receives considerable support from esteemed companies like Estithmar Holding, Vodafone, Boeing, and CAE. Their involvement underscores DIMDEX's influence across different business sectors and its role as a hub for collaboration, innovation, and industry engagement.
The Organizing Committee of the Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) has announced MBDA, a world pioneer in the field of complex weapon systems, as the Gold Sponsor for the ninth edition of the exhibition, taking place from 19 to 22 January 2026 at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC).
Held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, Head of State and Supreme Commander of Qatar Armed Forces, and hosted and organized by the Qatar Armed Forces, DIMDEX stands as one of the world’s foremost defense and security exhibitions.
DIMDEX serves as a key platform
The event continues to serve as a global platform for expertise exchange, technological innovation, and strategic collaboration among defense industry leaders, industry stakeholders, international investors, and senior military officials.
MBDA’s Gold Sponsorship of DIMDEX 2026 highlights the event’s pioneering global position and the enduring relationship between the two parties, with DIMDEX serving as a key platform for the company to showcase its latest innovations. It also underscores the significance of international cooperation in the field of advanced defense systems.
Signing ceremony
The signing ceremony took place 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. The agreement was signed by Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al-Ansari, Chairman of the DIMDEX Organizing Committee and Toby Broughton, General Manager, MBDA Qatar.
HE Lt Gen (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai, Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces, stated: “Today’s security environment is defined by complexity, interdependence, and rapid transformation. In such times, collaboration and shared purpose are essential to addressing challenges that transcend borders. The pursuit of stability is best achieved through dialog, innovation, and enduring partnerships that strengthen our collective capabilities. We welcome these international collaborations that reinforce the foundations of security and prosperity.”
Advancing international defense cooperation
Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al-Ansari, Chairman of the DIMDEX Organizing Committee, said: “We are honored to welcome MBDA once again as a Gold Sponsor of DIMDEX 2026, reflecting our strategic relationship and mutual trust. MBDA’s continued participation demonstrates the long-standing collaboration that underpins DIMDEX’s role as a platform for advancing international defense cooperation, while offering a valuable opportunity to showcase their latest innovations and technologies directly to key decision-makers."
"This reflects DIMDEX crucial role in facilitating global partnerships, expanding investment opportunities, and securing unparalleled commercial and business opportunities”.
Role in securing national defense requirements
Toby Broughton, General Manager, MBDA Qatar added: “MBDA is delighted to once again be a Gold Sponsor for the ninth edition of DIMDEX, reaffirming our long-standing commitment to the Qatar Armed Forces. For over 50 years, MBDA has been a trusted and proud partner to Qatar and is privileged to have supported the Qatar Armed Forces with our world-pioneering missile system capabilities. We look forward to another successful exhibition, and to our continued support for this strategic partner.”
MBDA is the only European group capable of designing and manufacturing complex weapon systems for all three-armed forces: land, sea, and air. The company plays a vital role in securing national defense requirements and promoting technological excellence through collaboration and innovation.
Advancing global security and shaping the future
DIMDEX is 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, which is 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.
DIMDEX 2026 has also garnered strong support and sponsorship from renowned companies: Estithmar Holding, Vodafone, Boeing, and CAE. Their participation highlights the event’s significance within various business sectors and underscores the value of DIMDEX as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and engagement.
