DOHA: With the fifth Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2016) set from March 29 to 31, Qatar Armed Forces held a briefing session for ambassadors, defence attachés, sponsors and the media at the Diplomatic Club in Doha.
Attendees gained an update and overview on components of the show and received detailed organisational information for smooth participation of delegates.
Assistant Minister of State for Defence Affairs for Financial Affairs and DIMDEX Chairman H E Brig. Dr (Engineer) Thani A Al Kuwari, said: “2016 is a notable year in the history of the show, as it marks the first edition of DIMDEX to be organised and hosted by Qatar Armed Forces.
“We are honoured by the huge international support we receive from participating nations, which has helped DIMDEX grow to become comparable in size and reputation with the largest shows of its type in the world.”
DIMDEX 2016 is expected to be the largest edition to date, with new countries participating for the first time, exhibitors demonstrating new technologies, and an expansion in DIMDEX’s scope to cover new sectors such as maritime aviation, naval base security, unmanned aerial vehicles, maritime patrol aircraft and coastal surveillance systems.
Insights about opportunities to network with VIPs and senior defence decisionmakers — one of the major attractions for DIMDEX visitors — was provided by a panel, with the VIP delegation and protocol director highlighting invitations to VIP delegations comprising ministers of defence, chiefs of staff, chiefs of navy, coastguard commanders and representatives of defence ministries.
The panel invited visitors to tour warships to be berthed a short distance away from the exhibition in Doha Commercial Port.
The audience was also briefed on the security protocol and logistics for visiting warships and their activities, including a sport tournament between the crews.
The panel also summarised the format and content of the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference. MENC is a high-level forum that encourages international cooperation and exchange of information and an integral part of DIMDEX that brings together defence experts on strategic issues facing maritime security in the region.
The panel also highlighted the theme of this year’s conference — ‘The Maritime Domain — The Centre of Gravity for the Regional Security Complex of the Arabian Gulf’ and the speakers to address issues from military and non-military perspectives.
DIMDEX is a biennial event held under the patronage of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Hosted and organised by Qatar Armed Forces, the event comprises an exhibition, MENC featuring senior naval commanders, visit of warships to Doha Commercial Port and VIP delegation visits.
DIMDEX is one of the largest international events on naval defence and maritime security.
With more than 200 industry vendors and over 20 warships expected, DIMDEX 2016 will be the seminal event of the year for networking with industry professionals and senior defence officials from the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region and around the world. The Peninsula
