The ninth edition of DIMDEX 2026 culminated in the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC), a significant assembly of senior naval commanders, defense officials, and experts from various sectors. Held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, the conference took place at the Qatar National Convention Centre. The theme was “Defence Diplomacy and Maritime Security Challenges,” reflecting on contemporary issues affecting global maritime security.
Sheikh Saoud’s opening remarks underscored that military power alone is inadequate to tackle the complexities of today’s challenges, which include regional conflicts, transnational threats, and non-traditional risks such as cybersecurity and terrorism. He highlighted the importance of defense diplomacy as a proactive approach to fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders. This approach aims to manage differences, enhance stability, and build trust among defense institutions, particularly during tense situations.
Brigadier General (Dr) Rajeh Mohammed bin Aqeel Al Nabet, President of the Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies, emphasized the shared responsibility of maritime security. He advocated for coordinated efforts and trust-based partnerships to effectively address maritime challenges. The opening session included insights from HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who asserted that maritime security transcends naval strength, intertwining with diplomacy, defense strategies, trade, food security, and overall regional stability.
This gathering marked a crucial moment for high-level discussions and collaborations aimed at fortifying maritime security in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. The exchange of ideas and expertise among the diverse participants is expected to foster stronger cooperative mechanisms and enhanced maritime strategies, vital for ensuring shared security interests in the region.
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