Qatari and French Navy Chiefs in Dimdex talk

During a positive meeting hosted at the Headquarters of the QENF, the two commanders re-affirmed the excellent relationship and co-operation between the French and Qatari navies. In addition, Staff Brigadier Al Mohannadi updated Rear Admiral Nielly on progress towards the Doha 2nd International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (Dimdex) taking place in March 2010.

The two naval commanders discussed the significant Dimdex 2010 participation from the French maritime industry. Companies exhibiting in the Dimdex 2010 French Pavilion include CMN, DCNS, CILAS, Thales, Nanco, Axsys and Sagem.

Staff Brigadier Al Mohannadi was pleased to inform his French colleague that preparations for Dimdex 2010 are on schedule, with demand from exhibitors causing organizer QMDI to double exhibition space for the 29-31 March event at Doha Exhibition Center.

Over 80% of Dimdex 2010 exhibition space has been sold to 135 exhibitors from 30 countries including Lockheed Martin, MBDA, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon. Staff Brigadier Al Mohannadi has invited 90 VIP Delegations to join the expected 7,000 delegates at Doha Exhibition Center, while an armada of 23 warships will sail into Doha International Port.

In a welcome announcement for Dimdex 2010 organizers, hosts and visitors, Rear Admiral Nielly promised a French Navy LaFayette stealth frigate will visit Doha International Port during the 3-day Dimdex 2010 exhibition.

Built by French shipbuilder and Dimdex 2010 exhibitor DCNS at its Lorient Naval Dockyard, the La Fayette Class incorporates Thales combat data systems with surfaces coated in radar-absorbent paint to avoid detection.

"Dimdex 2010 will showcase for specialized and interested visitors the very latest maritime defence technologies, from rockets to radars, to Middle East and North African countries which are expected to spend more than $15bn (QR54.5bn) on strengthening and modernizing their navies over the 6 years," said Staff Brigadier Al Mohannadi.