DIMDEX 2016 opened Tuesday with a €6.7 billion contract signing ceremony between Qatar and Rafale International (Dassault Aviation) for 24 Rafale fighter jets.
Signing on behalf of Qatar was His Excellency Dr. Khalid Bin Mohamed Al-Attiyah Minister of State for Defense Affairs and behalf of France was French Minister of Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian.
DIMDEX is the leading specialized naval defense and maritime security exhibition in the MENA region attracting the biggest defense and security companies to Qatar to showcase the latest technologies in response to the maritime security challenges of the 21st Century. With visitors and maritime security professionals from around the world, DIMDEX is the mirror that reflects Qatar’s position as a regional centre for modern businesses, industries and technologies.
The exhibition covers a wide range of maritime defense sectors including anti-piracy; diving and underwater operations and vehicles; maritime domain awareness and technology; and naval aviation. DIMDEX 2016 is recognized as the largest edition since launch in 2008 due to the increase in the number of exhibitors, VIP delegations, the participation of new countries, and the significant increase in exhibition space reaching 25,000 m2.
Among the organized activities for the first day was a visiting warships official opening ceremony at Doha Commercial Port, in addition to a gala dinner for senior industry professionals and VIPs to meet and network in an informal setting.
The Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC) took place on Wednesday 30 March at the QNCC theatre under auspices of His Excellency Dr. Khalid Bin Mohamed Al-Attiyah Minister of State for Defense Affairs, and features military and academic experts to discuss the most relevant issues currently facing maritime security in region under the theme: The Maritime Domain – The Centre of Gravity for the Regional Security Complex of the Arabian Gulf.
Organized and hosted by the Qatar Armed Forces, DIMDEX 2016 closes today (Thursday 31 March 2016).
