Page 11 - ADT MARCH 2021 Online Magazine

MESSAGE
A MESSAGE FROM DIMDEX

CHAIRMAN STAFF BRIGADIER

(SEA) ABDULBAQI SALEH
AL-ANSARI

After the World Defence Show in Riyadh, the focus of the global
defence and security community shifts to Doha, where one of the
most sought-after events on the international maritime defence and
security industry calendar takes place over three days from March
21 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).
Hosted and organised by Qatar Armed Forces, the seventh edition
of Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference
(DIMDEX 2022) offers a perfect platform for a glittering array of
international and domestic companies to not only showcase new
capabilities but also pursue their commercial goals by interacting
with high-ranking military officials and other key decision-makers
from Qatar and other participating countries. Cognizant of the fact
that the event is taking place in the backdrop of the impressive
post-pandemic recovery made by the global defence industry, the
Organising Committee is intent on ensuring that DIMDEX 2022,
which has ‘Connecting the World’s Maritime Defence and Security
Community’ as its theme, is bigger and better than previous edi-
tions. Initially conceived as a much-needed platform to showcase
latest innovations and technologies pertaining to the maritime Canada, UK, Australia, Pakistan, and India
security and defence domain, and for leading stakeholders in the will have their own pavilions while four coun-
international maritime community to come together and discuss tries - Croatia, Iran, Jordan and South Korea
pertinent issues, DIMDEX has grown exponentially in scope over – will be participating for the first time at the
the years since the inaugural edition in 2008. The biennial event exhibition. Various branches of Qatar Armed
is now internationally renowned as a comprehensive platform for Forces – Qatari Emiri Naval Forces, Qatar Emiri
various branches of the military, one where the latest products Airforce, Qatar Emiri Air Defence Forces, as
and technologies in the land, air, sea, and cyberspace domains are well as the Qatar General Directorate of Coasts
showcased. With defence interoperability becoming a major trend and Borders Security will be at full strength at
in military circles, DIMDEX 2022 participants can also expect to the event.
learn about developments in the sphere.
Apart from the main exhibition, DIMDEX 2022’s
DIMDEX’s rapid rise up the ranks to become one of the premier carefully curated agenda has a whole lot to
events on the international defence and security calendar has offer for participants. The Middle East Naval
much to do with the immense scope for commercial partnerships Commanders Conference (MENC), which will
that the event offers exhibitors. Agreements worth over USD 32 take place on the second day of the three-day
billion have been signed across the previous editions, with 35 part- event, will see a panel of experts from aca-
nerships being announced and 27 agreements being signed in the demia and leading industry figures attempting
2018 edition alone. As in previous editions, the event will provide to find solutions to asymmetric threats, perhaps
a golden opportunity for industry innovators to interact with VIP the biggest challenge confronting the maritime
delegations from various countries, including Ministers, Chief of domain. Another major highlight of the three-
Staffs, Navy Commanders, and other decision makers. In keeping day event is the visiting warships display at
with its international stature, I also expect DIMDEX 2022 to pro- Hamad Port. For DIMDEX 2022, we expect to
vide a roadmap for the future of the global maritime defence and have 15-20 warships at Hamad Port, the most
security sector. at any one edition.
Inspired by the boundless enthusiasm shown by exhibitors and As DIMDEX Chairman, I can assure you that
sponsors, the DIMDEX organising committee remains commit- we take the safety of all participants seriously.
ted to organising yet another memorable edition. More than 200 COVID-19 safety protocols will be strictly fol-
international companies from nearly 20 countries will showcase lowed as part of the medical preparedness that
their latest products and capabilities at DIMDEX 2022, thus pro- is in place. I look forward to welcoming you all,
viding a window into the latest innovations in the field of maritime companies and the general public, to Doha. Let
defence and security. China, Italy, France, Germany, Turkey, USA, the show begin!

ASIAN DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY March 2022 | 11