DOHA: The largest edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (Dimdex 2016) concluded yesterday with Qatar signing eight new deals worth QR1.29bn bringing the total value of deals signed during the event to QR32.58bn.

The agreements signed yesterday include a €42m MoU between the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces and Qatari company Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar (NDSQ) for diving support boats.

Another €41m MoU was signed between the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces and Turkish company Yonca Onuc (JV) for the purchase of fast interceptor vessels; a QR68m MoU between the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces and European company Zodiac for the purchase of armed fast attack vessels; a QR200m MoU between the Qatari Armed Forces and French company Airbus for a long-distance satellite ground imaging station; a QR34.6m MoU between the Qatari Armed Forces and South Korean company AK & Partners Inc. for surveillance vehicles; a QR460.5m MoU between the Qatari Armed Forces and US company Aurora for drone sensor integration; a QR126.8m MoU between the Qatari Armed Forces and the US company L-3 for MX20D and M25 drone cameras; and a QR54.7m MoU between the Qatari Armed Forces and the US company Textron Systems for Aerosonde MK 4.7 drones.

On the opening day a QR27.75bn contract was signed between Qatar and Rafale International (Dassault Aviation) France for 24 Rafale fighter jets. On Wednesday 10 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth QR3.54bn were signed.

Over the course of the three-day Dimdex confirmed its position as the leading specialised maritime naval defence and security exhibition in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region with its largest and most comprehensive edition to date.

Surpassing the success of previous years Dimdex 2016 attracted more exhibitors and higher levels of participation by welcoming 9000 visitors and VIP delegations from over 60 participating countries.

Against the backdrop of a buoyant defence market international and local exhibitors took full advantage of the opportunity to present the latest in maritime defence technology to buyers build business connections discuss the latest trends in the industry and secure deals.

A short distance away from the exhibition eight warships docked at Doha Commercial Port and were open to VIPs trade professionals and visitors as part of Dimdex 2016’s programme.

A sports tournament for the warship crews in the spirit of friendly competition also concluded yesterday.

Dimdex 2018 will be held from March 12 to 14. Brigadier Dr (Engineer) Thani A Al Kuwari Chairman Dimdex said: “As host and organiser the Qatari Armed Forces are proud of Dimdex 2016’s contribution to Qatar’s development and prosperity and its reputation as a hub for events and conferences of global significance in line with the vision of our patron Emir

H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

“Our success this year would not have been achieved without the trust our visitors exhibitors and VIP delegations placed in the organisers and their belief in the importance of the event. Due to the success of Dimdex 2016 and positive feedback the Qatari Armed Forces are delighted to announce that Dimdex will return in 2018 from March 12 to 14. Preparations for it are under way and we will work to continue the event’s upwards growth trajectory” he added.