Deputy Emir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani inaugurated the eighth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) 2024 at the Qatar National Convention Centre.
The opening ceremony was attended by His Excellency Dr. Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs as well as various ministers, ambassadors, heads of delegations, naval commanders, and representatives of exhibiting companies.
Deputy Emir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani inaugurated the exhibition halls and toured the pavilions of international and national exhibiting companies, as well as the pavilions of the Qatar Armed Forces.
In his opening speech, Major General (Navy) Abdullah bin Hassan Al-Sulaiti, Commander of the Qatar Amiri Naval Forces, said: "The Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference aligns with our wise leadership’s vision and the country’s efforts to contribute to enhancing international security and stability, given their great impact on our societies and economy, in line with the objectives of the National Vision 2030 to achieve economic diversification and promote sustainable development across various fields."
He said that DIMDEX 2024, which is being held under the theme "Igniting the Future Maritime Security and Beyond", reflects the vision of the State of Qatar and its ongoing commitment to enhancing maritime security and defence, which are some of the most important factors and elements of stability that impact all fields, especially the economy.
He added: "The State of Qatar, under the guidance of our wise leadership, has been and continues to be one of the keenest countries to establish the necessary foundations of security and stability, not only in the region, but internationally. Today, the country continues supporting global stability and affirms its strong principles of cooperation with all States to achieve these goals. Therefore, the State of Qatar contributes to playing a pivotal role in resolving conflicts and presenting various initiatives that would establish the parameters for peace, in cooperation with many of its partners."
The first day also witnessed the opening of the warships display at Hamad Port by Major General Abdullah Ali Al Mazrouei Deputy Commander of the Qatari Amiri Naval Forces.
DIMDEX 2024 runs until March 6 at the Qatar National Convention Centre. Ever since its launch, DIMDEX has become one of the most awaited events on the global defence agenda. The event is attended by decision-makers, including official delegations, dignitaries, ministers, ambassadors, military leaders and defence professionals.
DIMDEX features the main exhibition that spans over the full capacity of 7 halls across 35,000 square meters, as well as additional outdoor space. More than 200 international and local companies will participate in the exhibition, in addition to 9 international pavilions: Turkey, USA, Italy, France, Germany, UK, Iran, China and Qatar.
National companies, authorities and institutions are also showcasing their most important services including Barzan Holdings, Milaha, Al Faisal International Business & Security Services, ELI MENA Group, and Performance Marine.
DIMDEX is witnessing proactive participation from the various branches of the Qatar Armed Forces including the Qatar Emiri Navy, the Qatar Emiri Air Force, the Qatar Emiri Air Defence Forces, as well as military colleges, with a first from the Qatar Emiri Land Forces.
International companies and pavilions are showcasing the latest technologies, innovations and systems related to maritime defence, alongside various solutions, boats and ships equipped with defence systems, communications systems, radars and other maritime industries and services. Despite its specialisation in the field of maritime defence, DIMDEX has over the years witnessed a remarkable development to become one of the most important vital platforms that display the latest integrated defence capabilities, as well as accompanying systems, including technological systems in the fields of cybersecurity, anti-piracy systems and artificial intelligence, command and control systems, communications, computers, Internet, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR), remote control systems, unmanned systems and others.
DIMDEX 2024 will host the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference tomorrow, while Hamad Port will continue to welcome visitors to display visiting warships.
