Qatar's Barzan Holdings returns as Strategic Partner and Gold Sponsor for DIMDEX 2026.

Barzan Holdings has been confirmed as the Strategic Partner and Gold Sponsor for the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) 2026, scheduled for 19–22 January at the Qatar National Convention Centre, marking the fourth consecutive collaboration between the company and the Qatar Armed Forces.

The Qatar Armed Forces and Barzan Holdings have formalised a cooperation agreement designating the company as the Strategic Partner and Gold Sponsor for DIMDEX 2026. The ninth edition of the event will take place under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, from 19 to 22 January 2026 in Doha. The partnership continues a series of agreements aimed at advancing defence technology, maritime security, and industrial participation through international collaboration.
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Being the Strategic Partner and Gold Sponsor means Barzan Holdings helps fund and support the organisation of DIMDEX, while in return gaining prominent visibility, a leading role in the event’s activities, and direct access to international delegations and defence companies. (Picture source: DIMDEX)

As reported by Peninsula Qatar on October 29, 2025, the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference 2026 (DIMDEX 2026) announced Barzan Holdings as its Strategic Partner and Gold Sponsor for the fourth consecutive edition. The ninth edition of DIMDEX will be held from 19 to 22 January 2026 at the Qatar National Convention Centre under the theme “A Global Hub for Defence Innovations: Invest in Possibilities to Shape a Secure Tomorrow.” The event will take place under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Qatar Armed Forces, and will be hosted and organised by the Qatar Armed Forces. The agreement confirms Barzan Holdings’ continued role as a principal contributor to the organisation and implementation of the exhibition and conference. The cooperation between DIMDEX and Barzan Holdings reflects an ongoing national strategy to support the defence industry through partnerships that connect local institutions with international markets. The event’s timing positions Qatar at the start of 2026 as an active participant in global defence dialogue and industrial cooperation.

The cooperation agreement between DIMDEX and Barzan Holdings was signed at the Qatar Ministry of Defence in Doha in the presence of HE Lt Gen (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai, Chief of Staff of the Qatar Armed Forces, and Mr. Mohammed Ahmad Al-Mulla, Chief Investment Officer at Barzan Holdings. The document was formally signed by Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al-Ansari, Chairman of the DIMDEX Organising Committee, and Omar Fahad Al-Qadi, Chief Commercial Officer at Barzan Holdings. This agreement designates Barzan Holdings as both Strategic Partner and Gold Sponsor for DIMDEX 2026, extending a collaboration that has been maintained for the last three editions. The venue and participation of senior defence officials highlight the governmental and institutional dimension of the partnership. The cooperation aligns with Qatar’s national objectives of promoting indigenous defence capabilities while ensuring that industrial growth is supported by strategic international partnerships. It also represents an example of coordination between public institutions and private entities in support of the national defence agenda.

HE Lt Gen (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai stated that the Qatar Armed Forces take pride in organising and hosting DIMDEX, which functions as a platform that demonstrates Qatar’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high professional standards in the military field. He noted that partnerships with national entities and institutions are essential for the success of the event and for expanding its international influence. He explained that combining expertise, innovation, and strategic planning contributes to strengthening Qatar’s position in multiple security and defence sectors. He further added that these collaborations are important for building partnerships that enhance security and sustainable development. His statement places emphasis on the institutional and developmental impact of DIMDEX, beyond its role as a defence exhibition. The remarks also underline the Armed Forces’ intent to use the event as a means to support the strategic priorities defined by the State of Qatar.

Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al-Ansari, Chairman of the DIMDEX Organising Committee, described the long-term collaboration with Barzan Holdings as an essential factor in ensuring the continuity and operational success of the exhibition. He noted that the company’s involvement supports the introduction of new technologies and contributes to the advancement of the national defence industry. According to him, this cooperation aligns with the organisers’ objectives to support sustainable security and defence capabilities for the future. He indicated that DIMDEX acts as a central meeting point where technological development, governmental engagement, and industrial cooperation are discussed collectively. He also pointed out that the event allows for the establishment of strategic partnerships between government decision makers, defence companies, and military delegations. These interactions contribute to shaping the future direction of the security and defence sectors regionally and internationally, reinforcing the importance of the exhibition as a policy and capability exchange forum.

Eng. Mohammed Bin Bader Al Sadah, Group Chief Executive Officer of Barzan Holdings, confirmed that the company will return as Strategic Partner and Gold Sponsor for DIMDEX 2026, maintaining its role from previous editions. He said that this cooperation has been significant in supporting Qatar’s defence and maritime security goals, and that this year’s focus will be on presenting Barzan Holdings’ full range of capabilities, products, and services to the international market. He added that the exhibition provides an opportunity to connect with industry leaders, share technological expertise, and form partnerships that contribute to regional stability through innovation. He also underlined that Barzan Holdings views DIMDEX as a suitable venue to pursue cooperative initiatives and showcase new systems under development. His statement reinforces the company’s positioning as an industrial partner for Qatar’s defence sector and highlights its intent to strengthen its international visibility within the maritime domain. The remarks also underline a structured approach to international engagement through participation in DIMDEX.

The Barzan Holdings pavilion at DIMDEX 2026 is expected to attract significant attention from visitors, delegations, and industry participants. The Qatari company intends to display its most recent programmes, technologies, and achievements in the field of maritime defence. As a major national entity operating within the defence and security sector, Barzan Holdings functions as an interface between Qatar’s domestic industry and global defence markets. It continues to establish partnerships that enable technology transfer and investment in new defence capabilities. The company also plays an active role in developing cooperation agreements that promote knowledge exchange and industrial participation between Qatar and international firms. Through this participation, Barzan Holdings aims to consolidate Qatar’s position within the regional and global defence market, reflecting the country’s broader goal to strengthen its technological base and industrial autonomy. The pavilion will therefore represent both an exhibition space and a diplomatic platform for defence collaboration.

DIMDEX 2026 will continue to serve as a key element of Qatar’s defence and security strategy by combining technology exhibitions with direct engagement between military officials and industry representatives. Scheduled at the Qatar National Convention Centre, the event will include visiting warships at Hamad Port, specialised workshops, and an expanded exhibition area of 40,000 square metres. Organised by the Qatar Armed Forces under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, it will feature over 200 companies and eight national pavilions. The exhibition’s new four-day format aims to enhance cooperation and facilitate structured meetings between naval commanders, defence firms, and policymakers. The Middle East Naval Commanders Conference will address defence diplomacy and maritime security, while new technical workshops will deepen dialogue on innovation. DIMDEX 2026 will link warship displays with defence partnerships, reinforcing Qatar’s role in regional and international security cooperation.

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.