DIMDEX 2026: Growing Relationship Between EDGE Group and Barzan Holdings is the Big Story

The ninth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) generated plenty of talking points - the trend away from manned to unmanned systems in the naval domain, the increasing use of AI in defence, the rise and rise of the Turkish defence industry, and the continued growth of Qatar’s indigenous defence industry, to name a few – but the abiding memory of DIMDEX 2026 will be the growing relationship between the UAE’s EDGE Group and Qatar’s Barzan Holdings.

The Memorandum of Understanding MoU signed by the two entities on the opening day, to form a joint venture for collaborative development of advanced defence technologies, not only set the tone for the event but also reflected the growing trend towards collaborative regional defence self-sufficiency. The enhanced regional industrial cooperation due to the JV bodes well for the region and will serve as a model for defence entities in other regions.

Major Deals: Reinforcing the event’s reputation for facilitating major commercial deals in the maritime defence and security sectors, several agreements, MoUs and strategic partnerships were signed during  the first three days of the ongoing DIMDEX  2026. The momentum is expected to continue into the final day of the event.  

On the opening day of the event, Barzan Holdings signed a US$1 billion purchase deal with Türkiye's Tais Shipyards covering two frigates for the Indonesian National Armed Forces. Also on the opening day, Türkiye's Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE) and Barzan Holdings signed an MoU  to create a joint venture that will facilitate technology transfer to establish explosives manufacturing capabilities in Qatar. Qatar also intends to acquire MKE’s TOLGA Short-Range Air Defence System. Another major MoU signed on the inaugural day was the one between Barzan Holdings and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to collaborate on the development of advanced Battle Management software capabilities. In 2025,  Qatar signed an agreement with the U.S. to acquire eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian RPAs built by the company.

On the second day of the event, Turkish shipbuilder  STM signed a MoU with Barzan Holdings to establish the local production and integration of STM's combat-proven tactical UAV systems in Qatar. The two companies will explore joint production and co-development of unmanned aerial systems, while also assessing opportunities related to unmanned naval platforms. STM will also provide engineering, systems development, and technology integration support to Barzan Holdings.

The steady stream of MoUs and partnership agreements  signed during the event reflects DIMDEX’s towering stature as a premier maritime defence and security tradeshow. In yet another sign of growing ties between the two countries, Qatar Naval Forces Command and AFSAT inked a deal for joint maintenance and repair in Qatar of two ships belonging to the Turkish  Naval Forces Command. Turkish firm Infinia signed a deal with the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces to not only extend an existing contract but also to integrate new products. Türkiye had the largest international contingent, but  companies from other countries such as the U.S., China, and the UK also garnered attention through their technological innovations. Croatia made a mark as well, with FPV drones company Orqa signing an MoU with Barzan Holdings for the local production of its drones in Qatar.

The continuing popularity of the visiting Warships Display at Hamad Port and the quality of discussions on maritime security challenges at the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC) is great news for the organizers as they turn their attention to the tenth edition of the event, in 2028. There is a lot to to look forward to, with Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al-Ansari, Chairman of the DIMDEX 2026 Organising Committee, revealing that discussions on how to enhance the event even further in the next edition have already commenced.