CategorySecurity & Defense
DIMDEX - Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference
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About this event
DIMDEX - Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference
DIMDEX (Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference) is a world-class platform that brings together high-profile officials, industry leaders, experts, and key decision-makers across the maritime defence and security sectors. Positioned as one of the most anticipated events on the global defence calendar, DIMDEX serves as more than an exhibition: it is a hub for innovation, collaboration, strategic partnerships, and high-impact agreements.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar and Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Qatar Armed Forces, DIMDEX 2026 is organised and hosted by the Qatar Armed Forces. The ninth edition of DIMDEX takes place from 19 to 22 January 2026.
What to Expect
Over four days, participants experience a dynamic showcase of technology, maritime and defence capabilities designed to advance collaboration and commercial and investment growth. The programme includes opportunities for networking with leading industry professionals as well as structured engagement designed to support partnerships and future cooperation across defence and security stakeholders.
DIMDEX also highlights the latest innovations shaping modern defence missions, including complementary defence systems spanning land, air, and maritime domains, as well as technology systems and emerging capabilities related to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. The event continues to expand its scope to encompass additional defence and security sectors and related accompanying events focused on addressing current and evolving security challenges.
Event Purpose and Value
DIMDEX is designed to facilitate meaningful dialogue and partnership development among stakeholders from defence, security, technology, and strategic industry segments. Through engagement opportunities and formal collaboration moments, DIMDEX supports the formation of alliances that serve the interests of nations and contribute to wider economic, security, and social development goals.
Dates
- 19–22 January 2026
Venue and City
The official website content provided does not include the specific venue name or the city details. Only the country and event location context can be confirmed from the provided text.
Industry Focus
- Maritime defence and security
- Defence innovations and technology systems
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial intelligence
- Strategic partnerships and alliances
- Cross-domain defence capabilities (land, air, maritime)
If we should tailor the description further for a specific audience (exhibitors, sponsors, delegates, or media), we can refine the language to match their goal—business development, partnership building, or technology showcasing.
Data sheet
DIMDEX - Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference – Event Attendee & Buyer Profile Analysis
Event date: 27–30 March 2028
Location: Doha, Qatar
Event status: Upcoming
Research date: 1 July 2026
Event Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | DIMDEX - Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference |
| Event Date | 27–30 March 2028 |
| Event Status | Upcoming |
| Venue | Not explicitly stated in the provided official website text |
| City | Doha |
| State / Region | Doha Municipality |
| Country | Qatar |
| Organizer | Organised and hosted by the Qatar Armed Forces |
| Official Event Website | dimdex.com |
| Event Type | Maritime defence exhibition and conference |
| Primary Category | Security & Defense |
| Secondary Applicable Categories | Power & Energy; Industrial Engineering; Logistics & Transportation; IT & Technology |
| Audience Reach | Global |
| Estimated Attendance / Expected Footfall | Attendance figure not publicly confirmed by the organizer. |
| Attendance Data Reliability | Medium: official site confirms a major international defence platform, but no current-year attendance total is publicly stated in the provided text. |
| Main Purpose of Event | To connect defence, maritime security, technology, and government stakeholders for showcasing capabilities, strategic partnerships, networking, and commercial agreements. |
About the Event
DIMDEX is a high-profile maritime defence and security exhibition and conference positioned as a strategic platform for defence innovation, procurement dialogue, and government-to-industry engagement. The official website describes it as a world-class showcase bringing together high-profile officials, industry leaders, experts, and key decision-makers across defence and security sectors.
The event matters because it combines exhibition traffic with conference-level influence, MoU signings, and relationship-building across naval, maritime, cybersecurity, AI, and broader defence procurement ecosystems. It is especially relevant for prime contractors, defence manufacturers, systems integrators, maritime operators, government buyers, and suppliers seeking regional and international defence market access.
1. Who Attends: Buyers / Attendees
| Buyer / Attendee Segment | Typical Organizations | Buying Role or Influence | Relevance to Exhibitors / Suppliers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government defence buyers | Ministries of defence, armed forces, defence procurement directorates | Sets requirements, issues tenders, approves contracts | Core audience for ships, systems, sensors, weapons, communications, training, and sustainment |
| Naval command and fleet decision-makers | Navies, coast guards, maritime security commands | Evaluates platforms, mission systems, and fleet modernization needs | Important for shipbuilders, radar, sonar, C2, propulsion, and maintenance providers |
| Procurement and sourcing teams | Defence procurement agencies, military logistics and contracting offices | Manages tendering, sourcing, vendor qualification, and purchase cycles | Highly relevant for suppliers with export-ready products and compliance capability |
| Prime contractors / defence integrators | Major defence primes, systems integrators, shipyards | Subcontracting, partnering, and platform integration decisions | Strong target for component vendors, software firms, and specialist service providers |
| Maritime operators | Port operators, naval support operators, offshore logistics firms | Operational requirements, lifecycle support, fleet service decisions | Relevant for MRO, fleet services, security systems, and operational technology |
| Technology and cyber leaders | Defence IT, cybersecurity, C4ISR, digital transformation teams | Influences technology selection and architecture decisions | Important for software, communications, cyber defence, AI, and data solutions |
| Engineering and maintenance leaders | Fleet maintenance, naval engineering, technical services divisions | Controls sustainment, repairs, upgrades, and spare parts sourcing | Relevant for aftermarket parts, technical services, and reliability solutions |
| Export and business development teams | Defence manufacturers, OEMs, distributors, national pavilions | Partnership formation, channel development, government outreach | Useful for companies seeking regional market entry and offsets |
| Investors and strategic partners | State-linked funds, industrial investors, dual-use technology backers | Capital deployment, joint ventures, localisation, industrial strategy | Relevant for dual-use tech, shipbuilding, and industrial localisation opportunities |
| Media and defence analysts | Trade media, defence publications, market analysts | Shapes market visibility and sector intelligence | Useful for PR, launches, thought leadership, and message amplification |
2. Event Location and Attendee Geographic Origin
| Geographic Area | Likely Attendee Origin | Buyer Concentration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Host city: Doha | Qatar-based defence, government, and maritime stakeholders | Very High | Local government and military decision-makers are expected to be present due to the event’s national defence positioning. |
| Host region: Qatar | Qatari armed forces, ministries, state-owned operators, local suppliers | High | Strong concentration of procurement and operational stakeholders from the host country. |
| GCC / Gulf business hubs | UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman defence and maritime buyers | High | Regional defence procurement and naval modernization activity supports meaningful cross-border participation. |
| Broader MENA | North Africa and Levant defence stakeholders, maritime agencies, and suppliers | Medium | Event relevance extends across the wider Middle East and North Africa defence market. |
| International defence market | Global OEMs, prime contractors, integrators, and government delegations | High | Official messaging indicates a global platform for defence and security innovation. |
| European and Asian supply corridors | Shipbuilders, electronics, sensing, propulsion, and cyber suppliers | Medium | Particularly relevant to export-oriented vendors and maritime technology providers. |
3. Audience Reach
| Reach Level | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Global | Primary classification | The event is positioned as a world-class defence and maritime security platform, attracting officials, industry leaders, and decision-makers from multiple regions. |
| Secondary reach | GCC / MENA / International | Doha’s strategic location and the event’s defence focus support regional procurement activity alongside global exhibitor and delegation participation. |
4. Sample Buyer Companies and Websites
| Buyer Company / Organization | Buyer Type | Why It Is Relevant | Website | Best Job Titles to Target | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qatar Armed Forces | Government / Defence buyer | Official organiser-host and primary regional defence stakeholder | mod.gov.qa | Procurement Director, Capability Development, Contracts Officer, Programme Manager | Confirmed Government / Procurement Organization |
| Ministry of State for Defence Affairs, Qatar | Government / Defence buyer | Named in official event text and central to defence acquisition | mod.gov.qa | Director of Procurement, Defence Acquisition, Contracting Officer | Confirmed Government / Procurement Organization |
| Qatar Emiri Naval Forces | Naval operator | Core maritime defence end-user for platforms, systems, and support | mod.gov.qa | Naval Capability, Fleet Support, Engineering, Logistics | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Qatar Coast Guard | Maritime security operator | Relevant for surveillance, intercept, communications, and patrol capabilities | moi.gov.qa | Operations Director, Maritime Security, Procurement | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani Qatar) | Port operator | Maritime infrastructure and security stakeholder | mwani.com.qa | Operations Director, Security Manager, Procurement Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| QatarEnergy | Operator / critical infrastructure | Offshore and maritime security requirements around energy assets | qatarenergy.qa | Security Director, Marine Operations, Facilities, Procurement | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Bahrain Defence Force | Government / Defence buyer | Regional defence procurement and modernization stakeholder | bdf.bh | Procurement, Capability Planning, Contracts, Logistics | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| UAE Ministry of Defence | Government / Defence buyer | Major GCC defence procurement authority | mod.gov.ae | Acquisition, Procurement, Defence Projects, Supply Chain | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Saudi Ministry of Defense | Government / Defence buyer | Large regional buyer for naval, air, and security platforms | mod.gov.sa | Procurement, Program Management, Offset, Contracts | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Oman Ministry of Defence | Government / Defence buyer | Relevant for naval and coastal security procurement | mod.gov.om | Defence Procurement, Logistics, Fleet Modernization | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Naval Group | Prime contractor / shipbuilder | Potential partner and supplier for naval programs | naval-group.com | BD Director, Partnerships, Capture Manager, Sales Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Thales | Defence technology prime | Strong fit for radar, communications, cybersecurity, and mission systems | thalesgroup.com | Account Director, Defence Sales, Proposal Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Leonardo | Defence OEM | Maritime electronics, sensors, and defence systems relevance | leonardo.com | Business Development, Naval Systems, Regional Sales | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Babcock International | Support services / defence contractor | Fleet support, MRO, and through-life services fit | babcockinternational.com | Contracts Manager, Defence Services, Operations Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| BAE Systems | Prime contractor | Major naval and security systems supplier | baesystems.com | Capture Manager, BD Director, Programme Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
5. Job Profiles, Industries and Event Type
| Priority | Job Title / Function | Department | Seniority Level | Why This Role Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Procurement Officer | Procurement | Executive | Owns procurement strategy, supplier selection, and sourcing priorities. |
| 2 | Director of Procurement | Procurement / Supply Chain | Director | Controls high-value defence and maritime purchasing decisions. |
| 3 | Contracting Officer | Contracts / Procurement | Manager / Senior Manager | Responsible for tendering, bids, and contract award processes. |
| 4 | Strategic Sourcing Manager | Sourcing | Manager | Evaluates suppliers and negotiates terms for complex technical purchases. |
| 5 | Naval Capability Manager | Operations / Capability | Manager | Influences platform upgrades, mission fit, and fleet requirements. |
| 6 | Supply Chain Director | Supply Chain | Director | Manages logistics resilience, supplier continuity, and delivery assurance. |
| 7 | Programme Manager | Programmes / Projects | Manager / Director | Coordinates procurement, delivery, and integration across complex defence projects. |
| 8 | Capture Manager | Business Development | Manager | Develops bids, partnerships, and opportunity pipelines for primes and suppliers. |
| 9 | Business Development Director | Sales / Strategy | Director | Builds strategic partnerships and market-entry opportunities. |
| 10 | IT / Cybersecurity Director | IT / Security | Director | Relevant for secure communications, cyber defence, and digital operations. |
| 11 | Operations Director | Operations | Director | Oversees operational readiness, fleet support, and service continuity. |
| 12 | Facilities / Infrastructure Director | Facilities | Director | Relevant for bases, ports, secure facilities, and resilience upgrades. |
| Priority | Apollo Industry | Why It Fits the Event | Best Buyer Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Defense & Space | Primary fit for maritime defence platforms, systems, and procurement stakeholders. | Naval programs, defence acquisition, supplier outreach |
| 2 | Government Administration | Relevant for ministries, armed forces, and public-sector procurement functions. | Government buyer mapping and contract targeting |
| 3 | Military | Captures military end-users and defence planners. | Command-level stakeholder outreach |
| 4 | Maritime | Directly aligned to naval, coast guard, and shipboard systems markets. | Fleet modernization and maritime security solutions |
| 5 | Logistics & Supply Chain | Important for sustainment, spares, and defence logistics planning. | Support services and inventory solutions |
| 6 | Information Technology & Services | Relevant for digital transformation, secure networks, and systems integration. | IT and secure infrastructure buyers |
| 7 | Computer & Network Security | Strong fit for cyber defence and secure communications. | Cybersecurity and network protection solutions |
| 8 | Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing | Relevant for sensors, radar, communications, and embedded systems. | Component sourcing and OEM partnerships |
| 9 | Machinery | Applicable to ship systems, industrial equipment, and maintenance hardware. | Equipment supply and technical service opportunities |
| 10 | Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Important for platform integration, maintenance, and engineering services. | Engineering-led procurement and support contracts |
| 11 | Construction | Useful for naval base, port, and defence infrastructure projects. | Facilities and infrastructure contracting |
| 12 | Utilities | Relevant to mission-critical resilience and infrastructure support. | Critical services and infrastructure assurance |
6. Estimated Attendance
| Metric | Figure | Status | Source / Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated total footfall | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Official website text provided | Attendance figure not publicly confirmed by the organizer. |
| Exhibitor count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Official website text provided | No current-year exhibitor total stated in the provided content. |
| Buyer count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Official website text provided | No buyer count published in the provided content. |
| Speaker count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Official website text provided | Conference exists, but no speaker total stated in the provided content. |
| Sponsor count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Official website text provided | Sponsorship is supported by the event structure, but no count was provided. |
| Historical attendance | Not included | Not verified here | Official website text provided | Use only with additional official historical sources if needed. |
7. Key Focus Areas and Buyer Engagement
| Focus Area | Typical Buyer Need | Buyer Engagement Opportunity | Relevant Supplier Offering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Procurement | Vendor qualification, contracting, cost control | Pre-book procurement meetings and tender readiness conversations | Bid support, compliance, sourcing services |
| Maritime security | Coastal surveillance, patrol, interdiction | Demonstrate mission outcomes and interoperability | Patrol craft, sensors, communications |
| Cybersecurity | Secure networks and protected command systems | Show secure-by-design capability and incident resilience | Cyber tools, monitoring, secure comms |
| AI and analytics | Decision support, prediction, intelligence fusion | Position operational insight and automation | AI platforms, analytics, data integration |
| Naval systems | Fleet modernization and mission capability | Discuss platform integration and lifecycle support | Combat systems, sensors, propulsion, MRO |
| Partnerships / offsets | Localisation, industrial cooperation, JV structures | Meet policy-aligned buyers and prime contractors | Offset advisory, local manufacturing, transfer of technology |
| Training and readiness | Operator performance and sustainment | Offer simulation, training, and readiness programs | Training systems, simulators, support services |
Lead Quality Assessment
| Factor | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer relevance | Very High | The event is centered on defence, maritime security, and government procurement. |
| Decision-maker availability | High | Official text highlights high-profile officials and key decision-makers. |
| Data collection potential | Medium | Strong event relevance, but current attendee lists are not publicly confirmed in the provided source. |
| Apollo targeting potential | Very High | Many relevant defence, government, maritime, and technology roles can be filtered in Apollo. |
| Geographic targeting potential | Very High | Clear concentration in Qatar, GCC, MENA, and international defence markets. |
| Best outreach approach | Very High | Target procurement, capability, business development, and technical decision-makers with solution-led messaging. |
| Overall lead quality | Very High | Strong event for B2B list building, government account mapping, and defence-sector prospecting. |
| Best use case | High-value lead generation | Ideal for defence suppliers, maritime technology vendors, and service providers pursuing government and prime-contractor opportunities. |
| Limitations / risks | Medium | Current-year attendee, exhibitor, and buyer lists were not published in the provided official content. |
Apollo.io Targeting Recommendation
| Filter Type | Recommended Filters | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo industries | Defense & Space; Government Administration; Military; Maritime; Logistics & Supply Chain; Information Technology & Services; Computer & Network Security; Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing; Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Focus on defence procurement, maritime operators, integrators, and enabling technology providers. |
| Departments | Procurement; Operations; Engineering; IT; Security; Business Development; Supply Chain; Program Management | Capture both buyers and strategic influencers. |
| Seniority | Manager; Director; VP; CXO; Partner; Government | Prioritize people with buying authority or program influence. |
| Job titles | Procurement Director, Contracting Officer, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Defence Acquisition Lead, Naval Capability Manager, Business Development Director, Capture Manager, Cybersecurity Director, Operations Director | Best-fit titles for procurement and partnership outreach. |
| Geography | Qatar; GCC; MENA; UAE; Saudi Arabia; Oman; Bahrain; Kuwait; Europe; Singapore; South Korea | Match the event’s regional and international buyer footprint. |
| Employee size | 201-500; 501-1000; 1001-5000; 5000+ | Prioritize medium-to-large organizations with procurement budgets. |
| Company type | Government; Public company; Private company; Defense contractor; State-owned enterprise | Target organizations most likely to participate in defence procurement. |
| Keywords | defence procurement, maritime security, naval, coast guard, shipbuilder, C4ISR, radar, sonar, secure communications, cyber defence, port security | Identify event-relevant accounts and decision-makers. |
| Technologies | Cybersecurity; networking; command and control; ERP; fleet management; simulation; GIS; analytics | Useful for technology-enabled solution sellers. |
| Revenue range | $50M+ where applicable | Focus on larger buyers and prime contractors with procurement capacity. |
Suggested Apollo Search Logic: (Defense & Space OR Government Administration OR Military OR Maritime) AND (procurement OR acquisition OR sourcing OR contracts OR “business development” OR “capture manager” OR “program manager” OR “naval capability”) AND geography in Qatar / GCC / MENA.
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Sources & Verification Notes
| Source | Type | What It Verified | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIMDEX Official Website | Official organizer website | Event identity, theme, Qatari hosting context, global positioning, 2026 edition references, and 2028 date window shown on the homepage | High |
| DIMDEX Home Page Text Provided by User | Primary source excerpt | Confirmed that DIMDEX is a maritime defence and security exhibition and conference attended by officials, industry leaders, and key decision-makers | High |
| Qatar Ministry of State for Defence Affairs | Government source | Used as the most relevant official government domain for defence procurement and institutional context | Medium |
| Qatar Armed Forces | Government / defence source | Relevant host and defence stakeholder reference for the event’s organising context | Medium |
| DIMDEX News / Updates Section | Official event updates | Confirmed the event’s ongoing positioning as a major defence platform and noted public references to agreements and high-value commercial outcomes | High |
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Tell us your work email and our AI instantly builds a buyer list matched to DIMDEX - Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference — the best‑fit companies to target, the exact decision‑maker job titles, and the industry filters that fit what you sell.
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