Military leaders, academics and experts held forth on the challenges facing maritime security, their impact on global economies, and the strategies needed to overcome them at the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC) on the second day of DIMDEX 2024 in Doha, Qatar.
The conference was held in partnership with the Strategic Studies Centre of the Qatar Armed Forces under the theme “Economic Growth Prospects Amidst Security Challenges and Their Global Impact”. DIMDEX 2024’s theme is “Igniting the Future of Maritime Security and Beyond.”
Major General (Navy) Abdullah bin Hassan Al-Sulaiti, Commander of the Qatar Amiri Naval Forces as well delegations, ministers, ambassadors, naval leaders, experts, naval specialists and academics attended the conference that was held at Al Mayassa Theatre in the Qatar National Convention Centre.
The conference focused on one of the most pressing international matters: waterway security, the safety of global transportation networks, and their implications for the economy and global growth, as well as the importance of geostrategic relations, interconnectedness, and interdependence in dealing with these challenges.
“We are honoured to organise the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference which brings together military leaders, academics and experts to discuss the challenges facing maritime security and their impact on global economies and the strategies needed to overcome them,” said Staff Major General (Doctor / Air) Rashid Hamad Al-Nuaimi, Commander of the Strategic Studies Centre of the Qatar Armed Forces. “By leveraging the expertise and knowledge of these military leaders, academics and experts, the conference aims to delve into various critical topics that touch on the maritime security domain, the security of sea crossings and the important role technology and artificial intelligence can play in achieving and enhancing maritime security as a whole.”
“Today, maritime security has become a critical matter, as the seas and oceans represent the most important routes for the movement of global trade between countries with the maritime sector contributing significantly to the global economy,” said Major General (Navy) Abdullah bin Hassan Al-Sulaiti, Commander of the Qatar Amiri Naval Forces. “The conference will address the economic, regional, and global implications of maritime challenges, as well as delve deeply into the perspectives and extensive knowledge of experts and professionals, benefiting from their industry related and practical experiences in dealing with these challenges, and offering potential strategies that can contribute to setting a solutions framework.”
The first session was moderated by Professor Osama Kubbar, a senior expert and policy analyst at the Strategic Studies Centre of the Qatar Armed Forces, and a specialist in the fields of advanced technology, cybersecurity, national security and alliances/international relations.
Vice Admiral George M. Wikoff, Commander of the United States Naval Forces, Central Command/Commander of the Fifth Fleet, and Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces, emphasised the importance of keeping international waters open to all legitimate maritime traffic and the freedom of navigation, as well as the significance of joint efforts between the US Navy and allied partners to contribute to the protection of regional waters in light of the current challenges.
General Sir Patrick Sanders, Chief of the General Staff, UK, outlined the British Army’s strategic vision emphasising the goal of building one of the most modern and world class armies. Qatar emerges as a critical strategic partner within the framework of this vision, he added.
Dr. Khalid Shames, Assistant Professor in Finance and Economics at Qatar University, touched on the impact of international maritime cable crisis on the global economy and the importance of adopting economic, political and military solutions to bring stability back to the regional waters. General Claudio Graziano, Former Chief of Army, Chief of Defence staff (Italy) and Chairman of EU Military Committee, addressed new trends and industry challenges in the Middle East that touch all maritime dimensions.
The second session was moderated by Prof. Omar Ashour, Professor of Security and Military Studies, founder of the Critical Security Studies Program at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, and Head of the Strategic Studies Unit at the Arab Centre for Research and Policy Studies.
Cdre Mark Anderson, Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE), spoke about an integrated vision for maritime security. Professor Merve Seren, Assistant Professor at Ankara Yildirim Bayazıt University, addressed the role of advanced technology in the security and defence industry, while Marine Major General Emmanuel Salers, Commander of Indian Ocean Naval Regional and Commander of the French forces stationed in the United Arab Emirates, spoke on the safety of maritime navigation and the preservation of submarine cables and continental shelf. Dr. Mohamed Al Duranni, Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity at the Qatar Community College, addressed the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence.
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