The Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC) commenced on Tuesday at the Qatar National Convention Centre, gathering senior naval commanders, defense officials, diplomats, and scholars to discuss crucial maritime security challenges under the theme of “Defence Diplomacy and Maritime Security Challenges.” This event is part of the ninth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026), held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali al-Thani, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs.
Collaboratively organized with the Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies, the conference attracted high-profile attendees, including Lt. Gen (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed al-Mannai, Chief of Staff of the Qatar Armed Forces, and numerous global ministers and ambassadors.
In his keynote address, Sheikh Saoud underscored the limitations of relying solely on military power to address contemporary threats such as regional conflicts, transnational crime, and cybersecurity challenges. He proposed that defense diplomacy serves as a vital avenue for fostering dialogue and partnerships based on mutual interests, thereby reducing risks of escalation and fostering trust among nations, even amid tensions. The Deputy Prime Minister articulated Qatar’s strategic approach, balancing military readiness with active diplomatic engagement, emphasizing that regional security necessitates dialogue founded on international laws and good neighborliness.
Brigadier General (Dr) Rajeh Mohammed bin Aqeel al-Nabet, President of the Joaan Bin Jassim Academy, reaffirmed the collective responsibility of maritime security, calling for coordinated efforts, trust-based partnerships, and exchange of expertise to enhance regional stability. He noted that today’s challenges are interconnected and require a combination of hard power and diplomatic initiatives, promoting multilateral collaboration.
The opening session, moderated by journalist Adrian Finighan, included contributions from notable figures, such as His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi, who stressed that maritime security extends beyond naval force, integrating diplomacy, trade, food security, and stability. He highlighted Qatar’s effective coordination between its foreign and defense ministries as key to safeguarding maritime routes amidst complex conflicts.
Panelists also discussed escalating maritime threats, with Rear Admiral Hughes Lyne emphasizing the necessity for political discussions and alliances beyond mere naval capabilities. Other speakers, including Luciano Zaccara and Commodore Dan Thomas, shared insights into regional dynamics.
A subsequent session addressed technological challenges and operational lessons, featuring discussions on recent naval setbacks and hybrid maritime threats. Brigadier General Ramzan Hamad al-Naimi and David B Des Roches provided analysis in this area, while Professor Ali Baker focused on the implications of hybrid threats on global maritime security. The conference concluded with an assessment of threats to strategic sea lanes by Dr. Hassan Jouni, highlighting their potential impact on global supply chains and energy markets.
Overall, the MENC presents a timely platform for addressing maritime security issues through collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships, asserting the importance of diplomacy in contemporary geopolitical contexts.
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