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| Attendees gained update on different components of show & received detailed info for smooth participation of delegates |
With the fifth Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2016) fast approaching on 29 to 31 March, the Qatar Armed Forces held a briefing session for ambassadors, defence attachés, sponsors and the media at the Diplomatic Club, Doha. Attendees gained an update and overview on the different components of the forthcoming show and received detailed organisational information for the smooth participation of delegates.
Brig. Dr. (Eng) Thani A. Al-Kuwari, Assistant Minister of State for Defence Affairs for Financial Affairs and Chairman of DIMDEX said, “2016 is a notable year in the history of the show, as it marks the first edition of DIMDEX to be both organised and hosted by the 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.”
New sectors to be covered
DIMDEX 2016 is expected to be the largest edition of the show to date, with new countries participating at DIMDEX 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 (UAVs), maritime patrol aircrafts and coastal surveillance systems.
Insights about opportunities to network with VIPs and senior defence decision-makers - one of the major attractions for DIMDEX visitors - was provided by the panel, with the VIP Delegation & Protocol Director speaking of how official VIP delegations comprising of Ministers of Defence, Chiefs of Staff, Chiefs of Navy, Coastguard commanders and representatives of Defence Ministries had been invited to participate.
The panel invited DIMDEX 2016 visitors to tour warships berthed a short distance away from the exhibition in Doha Commercial Port during the event. The audience was also briefed about the security protocol and logistics for these visiting warships and their organised activities, including a sports tournament between the crews.
The Maritime Domain – The Centre of Gravity for the Regional Security Complex of the Arabian Gulf
To close this advantageous briefing, the panel summarised the format and content of the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC). MENC is a high-level conference that encourages international cooperation and exchange of information, and an integral part of DIMDEX that brings together defence experts on strategic issues currently facing maritime security in the region. The panel revealed the theme of this year’s conference is: “The Maritime Domain – The Centre of Gravity for the Regional Security Complex of the Arabian Gulf”, and how the speakers will address the issues from a range of military and non-military perspectives.
