Preparations for organising the first Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (Dimdex 2008) is underway, a report said.

Dimdex 2008 will showcase some of the best ships of the world's leading navies.

"This is a prestige event for Qatar as well as the Middle East and North Africa region as it will showcase some of the best technology and systems," Staff Colonel (Sea) Khalid Yehya Alkhuzaei, deputy chairman Dimdex, was quoted as saying by Peninsula.

Dimdex will be held from March 17 to 19 and will focus on the strategic maritime security needs of the Middle East and North African (Mena) region. 

Modelled after the Imdex Asia Series, Dimdex will be held at the new Qatar International Exhibition Centre (QIEC).

National pavilions will again be formed to group companies from various countries.