Gulf Warships Arrive in Doha for DIMDEX 2026
Four warships from Gulf Cooperation Council nations have arrived at Hamad Port in Doha, Qatar, ahead of the ninth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026), providing a tangible display of regional naval modernization efforts.
The vessels, representing Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and host nation Qatar, moored together to open DIMDEX 2026, which runs from January 19 to 22, 2026, at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). Organized by the Qatar Armed Forces under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar, the event serves as a premier platform for maritime defense technologies, industry leaders, and military delegations.
Public viewing of the visiting warships at Hamad Port was available from January 20 to 22, requiring pre-registration via the official DIMDEX website (dimdex.com).
The arrivals, reported on January 18, 2026, underscore the exhibition’s focus on operational naval assets. According to detailed coverage from Army Recognition (published January 21, 2026), the four ships illustrate a strategic shift toward layered maritime capabilities suited to the Arabian Gulf’s congested and high-threat waters.
Kuwait’s KNS Al-Garoh, an Um Al Maradim-class missile patrol combatant (approximately 42 meters, 250 tons), emphasizes rapid response and coastal defense. Powered by twin MTU diesels with waterjets, it carries Sea Skua anti-ship missiles, a 40 mm gun, and electronic warfare systems for threats ranging from small boats to aerial targets.
Oman’s Al Mubashir (S11), a 72.5-meter Austal-built aluminum catamaran, prioritizes high-speed mobility (up to 38 knots) and logistical support. Its large deck supports roll-on/roll-off operations, vehicle transport, and NH90 helicopter operations for resupply or evacuation, reflecting intra-theater lift requirements.
Saudi Arabia’s Onaizah (832), an Al Jubail-class corvette (based on the Avante 2200 design, ~104 meters, 2,500 tons), delivers multi-role capabilities with the TRS-4D AESA radar and indigenous Hazem combat management system. Armament includes a 76 mm gun, 35 mm CIWS, vertical-launch air defense missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes, plus helicopter embarkation for extended reach.
Qatar’s Al Fulk (L141), a 143-meter Fincantieri-built amphibious transport dock, stands out as the most capable in the group. It supports hundreds of personnel, NH90 helicopters, landing craft from a well deck, and features Sylver VLS for Aster missiles alongside advanced radars for fleet air and missile defense, enabling command functions in contested environments.
These platforms collectively demonstrate Gulf states’ investments in speed, sensor fusion, air defense integration, and amphibious projection—key for maintaining sea control in a region marked by strategic chokepoints and asymmetric threats.
DIMDEX 2026 also features broader exhibits on naval innovations, unmanned systems, and air defense, with related reports noting Qatar’s unveilings of new platforms. The Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC) on January 20 addressed maritime security challenges and defense diplomacy.
The event draws international attention amid ongoing regional tensions, highlighting collaborative and individual modernization trends among Gulf navies.
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