When the world’s biggest arms exporter starts to take the capabilities of its domestic defence industry to the next level, people sit up and take notice.
While much of the attention at the eighth edition of the biennial event is likely to be on the technological innovations and capabilities in maritime defence and security that are on display, the bigger story over the next three days is the eye-catching growth of Qatar’s local defence companies. Led by Barzan Holdings, which acts as a commercial gateway for the defence industry in the country, homegrown companies have used the experience and knowledge gained from previous editions of the event to upgrade their capabilities and collaborate with major players in the global defence market. DIMDEX 2024 signals the arrival on the world stage for companies such as Milaha, Faisal International Services, ELI Middle East and North Africa Group, and Performance Marine Qatar.
The presence of over 200 companies in the 35,000 square meters exhibition area spread across 7 halls and as many as nine international pavilions – Turkey, the U.S., Italy, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Iran, China and Qatar – is a testament to the exponential growth of the event. Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, and hosted and organised by the Qatar Armed Forces, the current edition, in keeping with its stature as one of the preeminent defence and maritime exhibitions in the world, has “Igniting the Future of Maritime Security and Beyond” as its theme. Several official delegations from around the world are attending the event.
While the undoubted stature of the event is one of its major calling cards, another major attraction for international companies is that Iraq, which imported more weapons than any other country in the world in 2022, is undertaking an ambitious military modernisation program. DIMDEX offers more opportunities for commercial success than many other events of its ilk; deals worth more than USD 32 billion have been signed since the event was launched in 2008. In the last edition alone, 32 deals, including partnerships, agreements, memoranda of understanding (MoU) and letter of intent (LoI), were signed.
On Tuesday, the event will live up to its reputation for knowledge-sharing at the highest levels as industry experts, academics and other thought leaders from around the world discuss “Economic Growth Prospects Amidst Security Challenges and Their Global Impact” at the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC). As in previous editions, the conference is expected to be the springboard for a comprehensive and effective maritime security strategy for the region. The visiting warships display at Hamad Port, a perennial crowd favorite, is expected to attract a record number of visitors.
Even though the focus remains on the maritime defence and security domain, DIMDEX has grown to become one of the most important platforms showcasing the latest integrated defence capabilities. The Qatar Armed Forces and its various branches are actively taking part in the event, including the Qatari Emiri Land Forces for the first time. Over the next three days, expect to also see the latest in cybersecurity systems, anti-piracy systems, artificial intelligence, C5ISR systems, remote control systems, and unmanned systems.
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