Doha, Qatar – High-level discussions focused on bolstering international military cooperation were a key feature of the third day of the 9th Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026). Qatar’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai, engaged in a series of bilateral meetings with defense leaders from several nations, signaling the country’s commitment to regional and global security partnerships. The event, a prominent platform for maritime defense, continues to draw significant attention from around the world.
Meetings took place with Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, Brigadier General Clinton John O’Neill; Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Lieutenant General Fahd bin Abdullah Al Ghufaili; Deputy General Delegate for Armaments of the French Republic, Lieutenant General (Engineer) Gaël Diaz de Tuesta; Advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Italian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Gianfranco Annunziata; and Deputy Chief of Staff of Mongolia, Brigadier General Baldjid Baatar. These discussions underscore Qatar’s proactive approach to strengthening ties with key allies and exploring new avenues for collaboration in defense and security.
DIMDEX 2026: Strengthening Qatar’s Maritime Defense Capabilities
DIMDEX, held biennially in Doha, is widely recognized as one of the leading defense exhibitions in the Middle East. It provides a crucial forum for governments, industry experts, and military officials to showcase cutting-edge technologies and address pressing security challenges. Qatar’s hosting of this event demonstrates its growing role in international defense affairs and its dedication to modernizing its armed forces.
Focus on Bilateral Cooperation
The meetings between Lieutenant General Al Mannai and his counterparts centered on topics of mutual interest, with a particular emphasis on enhancing military cooperation. According to official statements, discussions included potential joint training exercises, intelligence sharing, and the procurement of advanced defense systems. These collaborations are intended to improve collective security and address shared threats in the region.
Additionally, Lieutenant General Al Mannai met with representatives from leading defense companies, including CVIC’s Chief Executive Officer Xinnan Li, Leonardo’s Deputy General Manager Carlo Gualdaroni, and Elettronica Group’s General Manager for Qatar, Guerino Giancola. These meetings likely involved exploring opportunities for technology transfer and the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment to bolster Qatar’s defense industry.
Qatar has been steadily investing in its military capabilities in recent years, driven by regional geopolitical dynamics and a desire to enhance its self-reliance. This investment includes significant acquisitions of naval vessels, air defense systems, and other advanced weaponry. The country’s strategic location and its role in regional security initiatives further necessitate a strong and modern military force.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a key partner in regional security, was represented by Lieutenant General Al Ghufaili. Discussions with Saudi officials likely addressed coordinated efforts to counter terrorism, piracy, and other transnational security threats. The relationship between Qatar and Saudi Arabia has seen periods of strain, but recent diplomatic efforts suggest a renewed commitment to cooperation on matters of mutual defense.
Meanwhile, the meetings with European representatives – from Malta, France, and Italy – highlight Qatar’s efforts to diversify its defense partnerships beyond traditional allies. These collaborations could lead to increased interoperability with European forces and access to advanced technologies developed within the European defense sector. The focus on armaments with the French delegation suggests potential future procurement deals.
In contrast to larger, more established defense exhibitions, DIMDEX offers a focused environment for discussions specifically related to maritime security. This is particularly relevant for Qatar, a peninsula nation with extensive coastlines and a vital maritime trade network. Protecting these waterways is a paramount concern for the country’s defense strategy.
The conference component of DIMDEX 2026, running alongside the exhibition, provides a platform for experts to analyze emerging trends in naval technology and discuss strategies for addressing evolving maritime security challenges. These insights are valuable for informing Qatar’s long-term defense planning and ensuring its continued preparedness.
Looking ahead, the outcomes of these bilateral meetings are expected to shape future defense collaborations between Qatar and its partners. Further details regarding specific agreements or procurement plans are anticipated in the coming months. Observers will be watching for any announcements related to joint military exercises or technology transfer initiatives following the conclusion of DIMDEX 2026.