Doha, January 18 (QNA) - Under the patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the ninth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) will commence tomorrow under the theme: "A Global Hub for Defence Innovations - Invest in Possibilities to Shape a Secure Tomorrow." The event will be held at the Qatar National Convention Centre and is organized and hosted by the Qatari Armed Forces.

In this context, Staff Brigadier (Naval) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al Ansari, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of DIMDEX 2026, affirmed full readiness to stage the ninth edition of this international event, which will run for four days.

Speaking at a press conference held on Sunday at the Qatar National Convention Centre, attended by Captain (Naval) Khalid Mohammed Al Siddiqi, Director of Protocol and Official Delegations at DIMDEX, Staff Brigadier Al Ansari stated that the ninth edition of DIMDEX is the largest and most expansive since the event's inception. He noted that this reflects the growing interest of international companies in DIMDEX, which has become one of the most prominent events on the global defence calendar and a key platform for bringing together technological advancements and the latest innovations to address the evolving needs and trends in the defence and security domains.

He added that DIMDEX has evolved into a comprehensive showcase of the latest naval, air, and land defence systems, alongside related sectors such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, radar, and advanced surveillance systems, as well as other technological solutions essential to modern military operations

Brigadier Al Ansari explained that DIMDEX represents a major hub for companies to conclude commercial agreements, drive business growth, and stimulate investment, while providing valuable opportunities to establish strategic partnerships. Moreover, DIMDEX facilitates the exchange of knowledge and expertise, offering fresh perspectives on defence-related issues and enabling a deeper understanding of emerging geopolitical and security challenges

During the press conference, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee highlighted that the ninth edition of DIMDEX will bring together over 200 national and international companies specialising in security and defence, alongside eight major international pavilions. The event will also feature a wide range of local and national companies from related sectors, as well as representation from various branches of the Qatar Armed Forces. The exhibition will showcase the latest defence innovations and technologies across more than 40,000 square metres of space.

 He also emphasized the importance of extending the exhibition to four days, in response to exhibitors' requests, ensuring that exhibitors and visiting delegations have maximum opportunity to benefit from the event.

Alongside the main exhibition, DIMDEX 2026 will feature several events that have become established components of the exhibition, including the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference, held in cooperation with the Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies, visits of the official VIP delegations, as well as the international visiting warships at Hamad Port. The ninth edition of DIMDEX will include specialised workshops delivered by exhibitors over three days, from 20 to 22 January, in a dedicated area within the exhibition. These workshops will enable participating exhibitors to present their latest innovations directly to delegations and attendees.

The Organizing Committee of DIMDEX 2026 today received eight visiting warships, including the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces vessel ‘Al Fulk', with local and international media in attendance.

DIMDEX 2026 will be open to visitors on 19, 20, and 21 January from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on 22 January from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The ninth edition is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors. (QNA)