The Organising Committee of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) has confirmed MBDA, a leader in complex weapon systems, as the Gold Sponsor for its ninth edition. Scheduled from 19 to 22 January 2026, the event will be hosted at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).
Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, and organised by the Qatar Armed Forces, DIMDEX is recognised globally as a prominent defence and security event.
Global platform for defence collaboration
DIMDEX attracts defence industry pioneers, stakeholders, investors, and senior military personnel
As a key global stage for sharing expertise, fostering technological advances, and facilitating strategic partnerships, DIMDEX attracts defence industry pioneers, stakeholders, investors, and senior military personnel.
The inclusion of MBDA as a Gold Sponsor highlights DIMDEX's status and the long-standing partnership between the two parties, offering MBDA a platform to display its cutting-edge innovations.
Signing ceremony highlights
The sponsorship agreement was formalised at a signing ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Defence. Present were HE Lt Gen (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai, Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces, and signatories Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al-Ansari, Chairman of the DIMDEX Organising Committee, alongside Toby Broughton, General Manager, MBDA Qatar.
Lt Gen Al Mannai emphasised the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing today’s complex security challenges.
Statements from key stakeholders
Brigadier Al-Ansari said honour at MBDA's steady support, noting it reflects DIMDEX’s role
Brigadier Al-Ansari expressed honour at MBDA's continued sponsorship, noting it reflects DIMDEX’s role in advancing international defence cooperation. MBDA’s participation provides an opportunity to showcase their innovations directly to key decision-makers, enhancing global defence partnerships.
Toby Broughton of MBDA Qatar reiterated the company's commitment to Qatar Armed Forces, underlining their support with advanced missile systems over the past 50 years. He emphasised MBDA’s ongoing dedication to DIMDEX as a strategic platform.
DIMDEX's impact on maritime defence
DIMDEX is a pivotal event on the maritime defence calendar, providing a strategic venue for innovation, partnership-building, and high-level discussions. This aids in strengthening both national and international defence collaborations. By encouraging investment, innovation, and sustainable partnerships, DIMDEX maintains Qatar's crucial role in advancing maritime security globally.
The event also enjoys substantial backing from renowned firms such as Estithmar Holding, Vodafone, Boeing, and CAE. Their involvement underscores the event's broad significance across various sectors, highlighting DIMDEX as a hub for collaboration and innovation.
The Organising Committee of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) has announced MBDA, a world pioneer in the field of complex weapon systems, as the Gold Sponsor for the ninth edition of the exhibition, taking place from 19 to 22 January 2026 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).
Held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, Head of State and Supreme Commander of Qatar Armed Forces, and hosted and organised by the Qatar Armed Forces, DIMDEX stands as one of the world’s foremost defence and security exhibitions.
DIMDEX serves as a key platform
The event continues to serve as a global platform for expertise exchange, technological innovation, and strategic collaboration among defence industry leaders, industry stakeholders, international investors, and senior military officials.
MBDA’s Gold Sponsorship of DIMDEX 2026 highlights the event’s pioneering global position and the enduring relationship between the two parties, with DIMDEX serving as a key platform for the company to showcase its latest innovations. It also underscores the significance of international cooperation in the field of advanced defence systems.
Signing ceremony
The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Defence, in the presence of HE Lt Gen (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai, Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces. The agreement was signed by Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al-Ansari, Chairman of the DIMDEX Organising Committee and Toby Broughton, General Manager, MBDA Qatar.
HE Lt Gen (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai, Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces, stated: “Today’s security environment is defined by complexity, interdependence, and rapid transformation. In such times, collaboration and shared purpose are essential to addressing challenges that transcend borders. The pursuit of stability is best achieved through dialogue, innovation, and enduring partnerships that strengthen our collective capabilities. We welcome these international collaborations that reinforce the foundations of security and prosperity.”
Long-standing collaboration
Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al-Ansari, Chairman of the DIMDEX Organising Committee, said: “We are honoured to welcome MBDA once again as a Gold Sponsor of DIMDEX 2026, reflecting our strategic relationship and mutual trust. MBDA’s continued participation demonstrates the long-standing collaboration that underpins DIMDEX’s role as a platform for advancing international defence cooperation, while offering a valuable opportunity to showcase their latest innovations and technologies directly to key decision-makers."
"This reflects DIMDEX crucial role in facilitating global partnerships, expanding investment opportunities, and securing unparalleled commercial and business opportunities”.
Role in securing national defence requirements
Toby Broughton, General Manager, MBDA Qatar added: “MBDA is delighted to once again be a Gold Sponsor for the ninth edition of DIMDEX, reaffirming our long-standing commitment to the Qatar Armed Forces. For over 50 years, MBDA has been a trusted and proud partner to Qatar and is privileged to have supported the Qatar Armed Forces with our world-leading missile system capabilities. We look forward to another successful exhibition, and to our continued support for this strategic partner.”
MBDA is the only European group capable of designing and manufacturing complex weapon systems for all three-armed forces: land, sea, and air. The company plays a vital role in securing national defence requirements and promoting technological excellence through collaboration and innovation.
Advancing global security and shaping the future
DIMDEX is a premier international event on the global maritime defence and security calendar. Beyond its role as an exhibition, it serves as a strategic platform for showcasing innovation, forging partnerships, and facilitating high-level dialogue, which is vital to strengthening defence cooperation at both national and international levels.
By promoting investment, innovation and sustainable collaboration, DIMDEX continues to underline Qatar’s pivotal role in advancing global security and shaping the future of maritime defence.
DIMDEX 2026 has also garnered strong support and sponsorship from renowned companies: Estithmar Holding, Vodafone, Boeing, and CAE. Their participation highlights the event’s significance within various business sectors and underscores the value of DIMDEX as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and engagement.
