DIMDEX 2026 Concludes with Record-Breaking Participation and Deals

DIMDEX 2026

The 9th edition of the Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) concluded Thursday. The event was held under the gracious patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, at the Qatar National Convention Center, hosted and organized by the Qatar Armed Forces.

DIMDEX 2026 marked the largest edition in the history of the event since its inception, featuring participation from over 200 local and international companies over four days, alongside eight major international pavilions. The event also welcomed more than 130 high-level official delegations representing 82 countries.

During the exhibition, over 70 agreements, contracts, and memoranda of understanding were signed, with a total value exceeding QAR 18.5 billion, reinforcing DIMDEX's position as a key event on the global defense calendar.

The exhibition attracted significant visitor turnout, with more than 32,000 attendees visiting the main exhibition, in addition to touring the international warships docked at Hamad Port.

DIMDEX 2026 showcased the latest innovations, technologies, and defense systems across maritime, land, and air domains, including advanced support systems, cybersecurity solutions, anti-piracy systems, artificial intelligence, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems (C5ISR), as well as unmanned and remote-controlled systems.

The event also hosted the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference, under the patronage of HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al-Thani, in collaboration with the Jouan bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies.

The conference brought together a distinguished group of experts, academics, and military leaders to discuss regional and international issues, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in developing solutions and promoting security and stability.

The conference provided a pivotal platform for exchanging insights on maritime challenges, affirming Qatar's position as a trusted hub for defense diplomacy, committed to supporting dialogue, cooperation, and collective security.

The outcomes of this edition further underscore DIMDEX's evolution from a specialized exhibition into a strategic platform that contributes to national economic growth, knowledge and technology transfer, and the development of national capabilities, in line with Qatar's vision to enhance defense decision-making autonomy and integrate its security apparatus.

In this context, HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs highlighted the success of the ninth edition of DIMDEX and its qualitative outcomes, stating that they are delighted with the achievements of this edition on all levels. This leading international event embodies Qatar's vision of establishing a comprehensive defense cooperation system based on responsible dialogue, knowledge exchange, and strategic partnerships.

He also emphasized that in light of rapid geopolitical and technological changes, multilateral partnerships have become a cornerstone for achieving sustainable stability and security. DIMDEX served as an effective platform, bringing together decision-makers, military leaders, experts, and defense industry representatives for in-depth dialogue, reflecting the importance of coordination and integrated efforts in addressing shared challenges, particularly those related to maritime routes and freedom of navigation, which have direct impacts on economic, social, and security sectors.

His Excellency concluded by calling for continued collective efforts to achieve common objectives in strengthening security foundations and expressed anticipation for DIMDEX 10 in 2028, which is expected to become an even more influential platform in enhancing stability and cementing Qatar's position as a trusted international partner.

(QNA)