File photo of a previous edition of DIMDEX
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Armed Forces are set to host the ninth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026), which is taking place in an expanded format and with wide global participation at the Qatar National Convention Centre from January 19 to 22, 2026.
The event, expanded to four days for the first time since its launch in 2006, will feature more than 200 national and international defence and related companies, in addition to 8 major national pavilions showcasing the latest innovations and military technologies. This edition’s theme is “A Global Hub for Defence Innovations: Invest in Possibilities to Shape a Secure Tomorrow”.
“DIMDEX continues to grow in significance in light of the rapidly evolving challenges our world faces today, contributing to the advancement of defence capabilities essential for safeguarding national sovereignty, protecting resources, and ensuring the security and safety of nations and peoples,” said Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Al-Ansari, Chairman of the Organising Committee of DIMDEX.
He was addressing a briefing on the exhibition for diplomats, defence attaches, and media, held at Qatar Emiri Naval Forces base at Umm Al Houl yesterday.
“DIMDEX reflects Qatar’s steadfast commitment to supporting security and stability and reaffirms its position as a prominent international event that attracts the world’s leading defence companies. It continues to open new horizons for cooperation and business opportunities, which has been clearly demonstrated through the notable growth in the numbers of exhibitors, delegations, and visitors, as well as in the value of contracts and agreements signed during previous editions”, he said.
Over the years, DIMDEX has welcomed more than 100 warships and over 1,350 exhibitors. It also saw signing of more than 75 deals, Al Ansari said.
He also highlighted the other activities accompanying the event, including the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC), organised this year in partnership with the Joaan Bin Jassim Joint Command and Staff College. The event will also feature visiting warships at Hamad Port, open to delegations and visitors throughout the exhibition days, in addition to the sports tournament for the visiting naval crews.
Talking about this year’s MENC, Staff Colonel (Air) Jarrah Sabah Al-Abdallah, from the Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies, said: “The Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC) will convene under the theme “Defence Diplomacy and Maritime Security Challenges”. The conference will serve as an academic platform to examine the intersection of defence diplomacy and maritime security, and to develop strategies aimed at enhancing stability at sea.
It will also highlight the importance of multilateral frameworks in securing critical sea lanes and safeguarding nations’ economic and strategic interests.
“The conference will feature distinguished local and international speakers, naval commanders from across the globe, as well as leading academics, who will deliberate on the latest geopolitical trends and the evolving challenges to maritime security.”
