17 Jan 12. Held for the third year under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Heir Apparent of Qatar and hosted by the Qatar Armed Forces and the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces, Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (DIMDEX) has the full support of the State of Qatar. World-leaders in maritime defence technology are being drawn to Qatar for the third Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2012). Industry giants Cassidian, DCNS, Diel, Finnmecannica, Lockheed Martin, Lürssen, MDBA, MTU, Nakilat Damen, Raytheon, RMK Marine, Saab, Thales and many more prestigious companies will exhibit an impressive range of cutting-edge products including electronics, security systems and military craft at the new Qatar National Convention Centre in March next year. In stark contrast to a backdrop of economic gloom in Europe and North America, DIMDEX 2012 is poised to provide an ideal setting for marine defence technology companies from around the world to benefit from the increasingly strong demand in the MENA region for the latest in naval equipment. DIMDEX 2012 will not only feature commercial heavyweights at the exhibition, however, but also host the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC) that brings senior naval commanders, policy-makers, government officials and analysts together to Doha to discuss key strategic developments in the maritime field.