DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR DEFENCE AFFAIRSUnder the patronage of HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference is looking forward to welcoming you to the seventh edition in 2022. Hosted and organised by Qatar Armed Forces, DIMDEX 2022 will take place under the theme “Connecting the World’s Maritime Defence and Security Community”.The past few decades have ushered in an unprecedented level of marine activity across our oceans and seas, opening new avenues to support national and transatlantic economic growth through blue economy. Yet, every opportunity is accompanied by a unique set of challenges. While international waters are subject to increased vulnerabilities, nations continue to tackle traditional threats, such as water pollution and piracy, as well as modern threats involving regional naval conflicts and competitive geopolitical environment within the maritime domain.Maintaining the safety and security of the maritime domain and securing freedom of navigation through the ports are among the priorities of the State of Qatar, as its distinguished geographical location is of prominent importance especially in drawing out international treaties and cooperation agreements with neighbouring and allied countries to protect the security of the region from challenges, build common capabilities, intensify investment in development and research and consolidate and activate the principles of maritime governance, in order to achieve tenable development in this field, and upgrade the role of the security and maritime defence sector to be in line with the 14th UN Sustainable Development Goal.Whilst DIMDEX 2022 acts as a dynamic platform to bring together renowned figures from the maritime defence and security community, it also features various key events in addition to the main exhibition. The Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC), will provide key decision-makers, military leaders and academia the opportunity to engage in information exchange and discuss the latest trends and innovative solutions in the field of maritime security and defence, while the display of the visiting warships of international navies at Hamad Port will give exhibitors and visitors the opportunity to explore modern warships and meet with specialised crew members. Henceforth, we look forward to your visit in the next edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference as we together address the future of the defence and security sector.