A large number of delegations, exhibitors and defence institutions from up to 80 countries, including an expected 12 warships, will take part in the seventh edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (Dimdex), scheduled from March 16-18 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).
The event, held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and hosted and organised by Qatar Armed Forces (QAF), is now established as one of the most important events on the global maritime security and defence agenda.
“In this 2020 edition, visitors will be able to learn about the latest trends in the field of maritime defence and security in the presence of leaders, dignitaries, and high-ranking officials from QAF and many other government agencies,” Dimdex chairman, Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh al-Ansari, told a diplomat briefing on Monday.
“Building on the success of our last edition, the Dimdex organising committee remains committed to the highest standards of logistical pre-event planning to ensure the smooth progression of the event,” he said.
The briefing was also attended by Dimdex protocol director Major (Sea) Faisal Mohamed al-Hamadi, Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC) director Dr Andreas Krieg, and administration officer Major (Sea) Mohamed Ali al-Reyashi, as well as ambassadors, defence and commercial attachés, and representatives from the military.
Al-Ansari said Dimdex 2020, themed ‘Connecting the World’s Maritime Defence and Security Community’, has four key elements: main exhibition, MENC, networking opportunities with VIP delegates from around the world, and the Visiting Warships Display at Hamad Port.
MENC, one of the key features of the event, will gather renowned academics, thinkers and practitioners from around the world under one roof to discuss an array of topics in several talks under the theme: “Resilience in the Maritime Domain – Confronting Asymmetric Threats”.
“QAF will continue to host and organise the event with a great dedication and continuously provide the very best of our country and exceed expectations,” al-Ansari stressed.
“We look forward to further strengthening our co-operation and we are also pleased to provide all the facilities needed for a unique event that promotes close collaboration among stakeholders,” he said.
With invitees from more than 80 countries, Dimdex 2020 is set to exceed its previous record and welcome an unprecedented visitor turnout, including regional and global exhibitors to showcase the latest innovations in the maritime and naval sphere, including cybersecurity, anti-piracy systems and C5iSR systems.
Established in 2008 and following a highly successful 12-year run, the event is set to return with a larger exhibition space, spanning more than 35,000sq m at QNCC.
The venue will witness key decision makers, official VIP delegations and senior government ministers meeting and discussing future procurement needs.
A number of sports tournaments will also be organised for crews such as basketball, Tug-O-War, volleyball and football aimed at fostering social interactions, developing sportsmanship, and encouraging esprit de corps.
In 2018, al-Ansari noted that more than 13,000 visitors and participants from 69 countries attended Dimdex, which saw a record-breaking 35 partnerships and agreements signed totalling over $32bn.
“Thanks to its proven track record showing the latest technologies and keeping phase with the global market, Dimdex continues to provide unprecedented business opportunities for exhibitors and maritime defence and security professionals,” he said.
Organisers will also schedule trips for those who want to visit the participating war ships at Hamad Port.
