Doha: The Organizing Committee of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) has announced MBDA, a world leader in the field of complex weapon systems, as the Gold Sponsor for the 9th edition of the exhibition, to be held under the esteemed patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
According to Qatar News Agency, the event, organized by the Qatar Armed Forces at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) from January 19 to 22, 2026, stands as one of the world's foremost defence and security exhibitions. It 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 leading 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.
The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Defence, in the presence of HE Lt Gen (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai. The agreement was signed by Chairman of the DIMDEX Organising Committee Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al Ansari and MBDA Qatar General Manager Toby Broughton.
HE Lt Gen (Pilot) Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai 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."
Chairman of the DIMDEX Organising Committee Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al Ansari commented, "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."
MBDA Qatar General Manager Toby Broughton expressed, "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."
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.
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 the State of Qatar's pivotal role in advancing global security and shaping the future of maritime defence.