JOSEPH VARGHESE

DOHA THE Heir Apparent His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani will grace the opening ceremony of the third edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2012) at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) on March 26.

The exhibition will run till March 28.

Over 150 exhibitors from 30 countries will showcase some of the latest technologies in defence as well as warships and helicopters during the three-day exhibition.

The DIMDEX, which is being held under the patronage of HH the Heir Apparent, is hosted by the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces and supported by the Qatar Armed Forces.

Speaking at a press conference held for diplomats and the media persons on Monday, Staff Colonel (SEA) Abdulbaqi Saleh al Ansari said the DIMDEX is the only specialised and comprehensive maritime naval defence and security exhibition in the MENA region. “Our ongoing mission is to provide an international platform for the world’s largest maritime security and naval defence companies and organisations to gather and showcase their products and expertise. DIMIDEX 2012 will be an opportunity to experience the most sophisticated naval equipment and technology offering an effective response to security challenges that may undermine state security and national interests,” he said.

Director of Exhibitions at DIMDEX Mohamad Nabhani said that DMIDEX was the most successful and rewarding event of the category in the MENA region.

“The gross area of the exhibition is 15,000 m2 and 9,000 visitors are expected during the three-day of exhibition. Three more countries- Greece, Korea and Switzerland- will participate in this edition of the exhibition,” he said.

Deputy Director of RUSI in Qatar David Roberts said that there would be three plenary sessions for chiefs of navies and fleet commanders and officers. He said the sessions would focus on maritime security in protecting global economy, naval cooperation in delivering security at sea and developing naval capabilities for maritime security.

Warship and Logistics Director Major Mohammed Desmal al Kuwari highlighted the logistic details of the programme. He said participation by eight warships from six countries have been confirmed for the event.

He said, “Four more countries will update us about their participation in the coming days. There will also be a sports tournament in football, volleyball, basketball and tug of war at the Qatar Sports Club on March28.” Vice-President of Advisory Services at AMI International Bob Nugent said that AMI has forecast $45 billion in maritime defence spending in the coming years, an increase of 20 percent over the present spending.

He said that Saudi Arabia led the MENA region in the naval market.

The exhibition will feature warships, maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters, marine communication systems, coastal surveillance, total ship self-defence systems, naval weapon systems, search and rescue equipment, naval defence supplies.

There will be 80 delegations from 71 countries headed by commanders of navies, top naval officials, coast guard and other sea service and commanding officers.

A number of defence attaches, ambassadors and representatives of the sponsors were present at the briefing session. The DIMDEX is an exclusive International Defence Maritime Exhibition and Conference that features the surface, undersea and coastal patrol equipment and systems solutions. The prestigious exhibition is the most comprehensive and fully integrated naval show in the Middle East and North Africa region.