High-level ministerial delegations and senior armed forces officials from several countries are expected to attend the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (Dimdex) starting Monday at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).
The 3-day event, which coincides with its 10th anniversary, is held under the patronage of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
Dimdex serves as a pivotal platform for exhibitors to access key decision makers represented by VIP delegates. Deals worth as much as $31.95bn took place in the previous five editions.
As part of the exhibition, war ships from countries including the US, the UK, Italy, India, Pakistan, Oman and Bangladesh are calling on the Hamad Port.
Arrangements being worked out at one of the under- preparation-pavilion: PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam
Some of the military vehicles on display on the eve of the exhibition.
Dimdex chairman Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi S al-Ansari announced Sunday that the exhibition would have participation from at least 60 countries and nearly 30 of them will have exhibitors showcasing maritime and military equipment. More than 180 exhibitors are expected.
The exhibition at the sprawling 28,000sqm space at the QNCC is hosted by the Qatar Armed Forces.
Brigadier al-Ansari said "the arrival of visiting warships is an essential element of the exhibition and a clear demonstration of the close relations between Qatar and the countries concerned."
The official said this is the first year these war ships are docking at Hamad Port. "We look forward to conferences and sessions held alongside under the theme "A world class platform for technology, Maritime & Defence industry capabilities", said al-Ansari. This is being held as part of the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC) taking place tomorrow.
Dimdex, he said, strengthens Doha's position as a burgeoning business hub and offers global vendors, visitors and guests valuable commercial opportunities to lucrative markets, as a dynamic networking and business platform.
Military Co-operation Authority head Tariq Khalid al-Obaidli and MENC producer Tom Sawyer also spoke.
