Arrival of warships in Doha signals start of DIMDEX 2012

: Posted On Sunday, 25 March 2012 16:23

DIMDEX 2012 - Show Daily News

Arrival of warships in Doha signals start of DIMDEX 2012

The majestic sight of warships arriving in Doha Commercial Port has signaled the start of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (DIMDEX 2012). DIMDEX 2012 is the only specialised maritime defence exhibition in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and brings together companies from around the world to present the latest in high-end technologies to meet the maritime challenges of the 21st century.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Heir Apparent of Qatar, DIMDEX 2012 is hosted by the Qatar Armed Forces and supported by the Qatar Armed Forces. DIMDEX 2012 is staged from 26th to 28th March 2012 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), with 9,000 attendees expected from the fields of industry, the military and government.

Turkish Navy Frigate TCG GIRESUN F491 arrives in Doha Commercial Port for DIMDEX 2012

According to AMI International, the MENA naval market continues to show strong growth, with projected new naval and ship related expenditure reaching US$ 49 billion over the next 20 years, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria and Morocco among the region’s leading spenders.

Against the backdrop of a promising growth market, DIMDEX 2012 provides an ideal platform for international defence manufacturers to meet and showcase their products and expertise to influencers and maritime procurement decision makers. A total of 76 delegations from 51 countries (including 55 navy delegations from 45 countries) are attending DIMDEX 2012, headed by commanders of navies, senior naval officials and government officials.

US Navy Dock Landing Ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD-52) arrives in Doha for DIMDEX 2012

DIMDEX 2012 will welcome 25 exhibiting countries and 8 country pavilions with manufacturers of warships, maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters, marine communications, coastal surveillance systems, naval weapon systems, search and rescue equipment and other supplies attending the exhibition at the QNCC. As well as the exhibition, DIMDEX 2012 will stage the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference on March 27 where naval commanders, policy-makers and other distinguished figures will discuss strategic developments in the maritime field that are relevant to the region.

Another highlight of DIMDEX 2012 is the visit of 13 warships from 10 navies including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, India, Pakistan, France and Australia amongst others. Certain warships will open to visits from official VIPs and trade professionals as part of the innovative DIMDEX 2012 programme.

DIMDEX 2012 Pre-Show press conference
From left to right:
Mohammad Nabhani - Exhibition Director
Staff Colonel (sea) Abdulbaqi Al-Ansari - Deputy Chairman - Board Member
Major (sea) Mohammed Desmal Al-Kuwari - Warships & Logistics director
Dr Lew Wilbert - Senior Research Fellow Maritime Studies RUSI

The Chairman of DIMDEX 2012, Staff Brigadier (Sea) Mohammed Bin Nasser Al Mohannadi said: “Since our inaugural event in 2008, DIMDEX has grown from strength to strength and DIMDEX 2012 will be the largest show to date in terms of exhibition space and number of exhibitors, VIP delegations and visiting warships. The meeting of heavyweight industry and defence procurement decision-makers attending the exhibition, together with favourable market conditions in the MENA region means that DIMDEX 2012 will provide excellent business opportunities for all.”