DOHA: All is set for the third Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (DIMDEX 2012) as organisers have already ensured that no stones are left unturned for the grand global event to be held on March 26-28 at Qatar National Convention Centre. With another move for its final push, representatives from the diplomatic missions in Qatar and members of the local media were briefed by organisers yesterday at the Sheraton Doha in a meeting to give them an overview about visiting VIP delegations and warships that are up-to-date with all arrangements for the event. Organising officials discussed a variety of topics including the exhibition programme, topics and speakers for the Middle East Naval Commanders (MENC), security protocol and logistics for visiting warships and submarines and the VIP delegation management system. DIMDEX is a biennial event held under the patronage of the Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani. Supported by the Qatar Armed Forces, DIMDEX is hosted by Qatar Emiri Naval Forces. Featuring surface, undersea and coastal defence systems and patrol aircrafts plus equipment solutions, DIMDEX 2012 is the gateway to the lucrative Middle East and North Africa market which anticipates significantly high spending on naval ship acquisitions in the next five years. In his welcome speech, Deputy Director of DIMDEX, Staff Colonel (SEA) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al Ansari thanked all guests for accepting the invitation and for the cooperation with the organising team. “Our aim is to fulfill all expectations and to conduct yet another successful exhibition”, added Abdulbaqi. Mohamad Nabhani, Director of Exhibitions at DIMDEX, said the programmes are being meticulously prepared to ensure a very smooth and comfortable participation of the delegates. Some 150 international exhibitors from 30 countries across the globe are expected to participate that will occupy 15,000 square meters exhibition space with about 9,000 visitors already signified their interest to join the big global event in Doha. “We are confident that this will be another highly successful event for DIMDEX,” said David Roberts, Deputy Director of RUSI – Qatar. Major (SEA) Mohammed Desmal Al Kuwari, Warship and Logistics Director, DIMDEX 2012 would be a networking opportunities for VIPs and delegates through the bilateral and multilateral meetings. For his part, Bob Nugent, Vice President, Advisory Services at AMI International, said the event could best benefit Middle East and North Africa where it already gained the top market for shipbuilders and system supplies. “There is a US $45bn market value in MENA which is up by 20 percent this year based on our forecast,” Nugent noted in his presentation. The Peninsula

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