The Qatari government announced that the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference, or DIMDEX, is now canceled as the region combats the spread of the new coronavirus known as COVID-19.
DIMDEX offers valuable opportunities for exhibitors; presenting a wide range of the latest innovations; hosting the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference; and featuring visiting warships from international navies at Hamad Port.
If you are a professional in the maritime defence and security domain, #DIMDEX2020 will provide you all the important trends and technologies you need to know to remain up-to-date. pic.twitter.com/2ZTzL5djNB
— DIMDEX (@DIMDEXQatar) February 26, 2020
The Qatar International defence exhibition is among the first major defense trade shows canceled as the virus has shown signs of community spread in the Arabian Gulf region, though several high-profile companies pulled out of the Singapore Airshow due to virus fears.
The March 16-18 Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference was scheduled to take place at the city’s exhibition centre DECC.
The #Covid19 outbreak has led #Qatar to cancel the biennial #DIMDEX #Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition that would have taken place 16-18 March. Would have been the biggest #naval exposition in the Mideast this year. Photo from March 2014 https://t.co/shLV0m7wcV pic.twitter.com/GvNetXq2if
— Chris Cavas (@CavasShips) March 6, 2020
DIMDEX 2020 was schedule to present a premier programme that provides the maritime and security community with access to cutting-edge military technology and the opportunity to build and strengthen relations with key stakeholders.
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The defence exhibition has witnessed continuous growth to become a leading event in the international maritime defence and security industry calendar. DIMDEX is much more than just an exhibition; the three-day event also features the international strategic Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC), the visit of warships to Doha Commercial Port and elite VIP delegation visits.
The #Qatari government announced March 3 that the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference, or #DIMDEX, is now canceled as the region combats the spread of the new #coronavirus known as COVID-19. https://t.co/hBCZqReBpZ #armsfair
— martin broek (@martinbroek) March 4, 2020
The biannual event, hosted by Qatar’s armed forces, in 2018 hosted about 13,000 attendees, according to a news release. The announcement was made on the DIMDEX website.
“Following the cancellation of a number of global events including the Mobile World Conference in Spain, ITB in Germany and the Geneva International Auto Show, the DIMDEX 2020 organising committee has been consulting with public health officials and the Government of the State of Qatar regarding the status of the event,” the announcement read.
“Though the risk to the general public in Qatar remains low, our primary concern remains the health and welfare of all residents and visitors to Qatar and for this reason the event will no longer be held,” it added.
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The number of cases of COVID-19 in Qatar stood at three, as of March 5, according to the World Health Organization, but there have been about 1,000 cases in Iran.
In the United Arab Emirates, the WHO has determined that, while the number of cases is just about 20, the virus appears to be spreading in the community.
Bahrain and Kuwait have about 50 cases each, while Iraq has about 20.