Doha, Qatar - 25 February, 2014: With the fourth Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (DIMDEX 2014) approaching from 25-27 March and building on the success of the past 3 editions; a diplomatic press conference was held today at the Diplomatic Club to present an overview of this year’s edition.

The Qatar Armed Forces alongside the event organisers, Clarion Events, welcomed Ambassadors, Defence Attachés and other diplomats to the DIMDEX 2014 Diplomat Briefing held at the Diplomatic Club, Doha.  More than 50 diplomats, representing most of the Embassies in Qatar, enjoyed the briefing, gaining important insight into the plans and procedures for the 2014 edition of DIMDEX.

The briefing outlined the various facets of the show from both an organisational perspective as well as how industry and military will be offered the best possible opportunity for dialogue. Headlining the briefing was Brig. Dr. (Eng) Thani A. Al-Kuwari, Assistant Minister of State for Defence Affairs for Financial Affairs and Chairman of DIMDEX, saying “We are honoured to welcome all the members of the diplomatic corps who are here with us here today and we are looking forward to their continued support of DIMDEX 2014 which this year further strengthens its position as the premier event in the region specialising in naval defence and maritime security”

Offering an overview of the event with operational specifications was Tim Porter, Managing Director of Clarion Events Defence and Security, the show organiser. He provided further details on the arrangements and preparations for DIMDEX 2014, revealing an increase in the number of exhibitors, total space, new exhibitors as well as the range of products being displayed; with the 2014 edition having two dedicated zones which will feature both boats and air frames from industry and the Qatar Armed Forces. Also outlined was the strong work by the DIMDEX team in visiting international events over the past two years, culminating in more countries participating than ever before and over 60 new exhibiting companies at the show.

Following on from this Industry Expert, Bob Nugent, gave the audience a market perspective. He discussed the steady growth in total naval spend with MENA future forecasted spend projections up 25% since 2011. New corvettes, frigates and destroyers for MENA navies are expected to account for almost US$29 billion in the next 20 years, in addition to the higher demand of sea-based air and missile defence as well as submarines. This he concluded was reflected in the great growth the DIMDEX event has seen with a diverse supplier base now working in the region both independently and as part of joint ventures.

Once again the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC) will headline DIMDEX this year,  and Conference Director, James Souza, detailed the high-level strategic plan that will bring together the most senior naval commanders and defence officials in the region and from around the world. Aiming to establish geopolitical trends and machinations in the Middle East, MENC will address areas where maritime policy and practice can be strengthened as well as enhance dialogue with regional and international military allies and partners.

An integral part of DIMDEX is the established VIP delegation programme that grown consistently over the last three editions. True to the grand gesture of the Qatari hospitality, DIMDEX 2014 will be hosting over 70 delegations who have already confirmed their attendance, with more to follow in the next few weeks.

Every year a hugely popular attraction is the visiting Warships and this year is no different. DIMDEX 2014 is forecasted to break the record set by its previous editions and bring together the most number of Warships ever on display at the Doha Commercial Port. Throughout the exhibition shuttle buses will transport VIP delegations and visitors to the port where they will be greeted by the participating crews.

Following a question and answer session the guests were invited to network over lunch and continue discussions about the upcoming show.