The third Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (Dimdex 2012) has partnered with the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (Rusi Qatar) to host a major naval commanders conference next year.

Dimdex 2012 is the pre-eminent maritime defence event in the Mena region and will be staged in the new Qatar National Convention Centre from March 26 to 28.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Heir Apparent and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Dimdex is hosted by Qatar Armed Forces and the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces.

The Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC) conference will be held in Doha on March 27.

It is a key component of Dimdex 2012’s three-day programme and brings senior naval commanders, policy-makers, government officials and analysts together in Doha to discuss key developments in the maritime field.

Dimdex 2012 chairman, Staff Brigadier (Sea) Mohammed Bin Nasser Al Mohannadi said: 'The conference provides a unique and high profile forum where naval commanders from across the GCC meet their international contemporaries to discuss the crucial issues facing today’s maritime defence industry.'

'Rusi’s expertise in promoting debate between military and security communities in the GCC makes it an ideal partner for the event,' he stated.

David Roberts, deputy director of Rusi Qatar said the MENC conference was the region’s only dedicated conference for senior naval professionals.

'The conference theme this year is “the strategic importance of maritime security in protecting the global economy” which will highlight the significant role that naval forces play in generating and maintaining the stability needed for business, economics and overall prosperity,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service