The Organising Committee of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) held a diplomatic briefing at the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces base in Umm Al Houl, outlining the event’s strategic developments, commercial significance, and logistical preparations for participants. Ambassadors, military and commercial attachés, and media representatives attended the session.

The ninth edition of DIMDEX will take place from 19 to 22 January 2026 at the Qatar National Convention Centre under the theme “A Global Hub for Defence Innovations: Invest in Possibilities to Shape a Secure Tomorrow.” The event is held under the patronage of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and is organised and hosted by the Qatar Armed Forces.

Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Al-Ansari, Chairman of the Organising Committee, described DIMDEX’s development as a platform for global defence collaboration and a facilitator of commercial partnerships in the maritime sector. He underlined the committee’s readiness to deliver an expanded edition, noting the event’s role in promoting dialogue and cooperation across the industry.

“DIMDEX continues to grow in significance in light of the rapidly evolving challenges our world faces today, contributing to the advancement of defence capabilities essential for safeguarding national sovereignty, protecting resources, and ensuring the security and safety of nations and peoples,” said Al-Ansari. “It reflects Qatar’s commitment to supporting security and stability and reaffirms its position as a prominent international event that attracts the world’s leading defence companies.”

DIMDEX 2026 will feature participation from over 200 national and international companies and eight national pavilions. For the first time, the exhibition will extend to four days and include specialised workshops running from 20 to 22 January. These sessions, introduced in response to exhibitor demand, will present technological advancements, solutions, and insights into future maritime defence and security trends.

GE Aerospace to support propulsion development for Shield AI's X-BAT
GE Aerospace to support propulsion development for Shield AI's X-BAT
İçeriği Görüntüle
The event will also host the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC), organised in partnership with the Joaan Bin Jassim Joint Command and Staff College. Staff Colonel (Air) Jarrah Sabah Al-Abdallah announced that the 2026 conference will convene under the theme “Defence Diplomacy and Maritime Security Challenges.”

“The conference will serve as an academic platform to examine the intersection of defence diplomacy and maritime security, and to develop strategies aimed at enhancing stability at sea,” he said. It will gather naval commanders, academics, and defence experts to discuss global maritime dynamics and security frameworks.

DIMDEX 2026 will again welcome high-level official delegations including ministers, ambassadors, naval chiefs, and senior defence officials. Visiting warships will be hosted at Hamad Port and open for viewing throughout the exhibition. The event will also feature a sports tournament for participating naval crews.

Spanning 40,000 square metres across seven halls, DIMDEX 2026 will serve as a platform for both major defence corporations and emerging small and medium enterprises. The exhibition is expected to boost local economic activity and reinforce Qatar’s long-term goals under the Qatar National Vision 2030 by enhancing its position as a hub for international security cooperation and technological innovation.