Middle East naval chiefs debate defence diplomacy at MENC

Senior naval commanders and defence officials from across the region and beyond gathered in Doha for the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference, a forum that has positioned defence diplomacy and maritime security challenges at the centre of discussions shaping naval cooperation in strategically sensitive waters. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, the conference brought together military leaders, policymakers and security experts at a time of heightened geopolitical flux in key sea lanes.

The conference opened with a clear focus on the expanding role of navies as instruments of diplomacy as well as deterrence. Speakers underlined that maritime forces are increasingly expected to balance traditional defence roles with confidence-building measures, humanitarian assistance, counter-piracy operations and the protection of global commerce. Officials noted that the seas surrounding the Middle East carry a significant share of the world’s energy supplies and container traffic, making stability in these waters a global economic concern rather than a purely regional issue.

Addressing participants, Qatari defence officials stressed that defence diplomacy has evolved from symbolic port visits to sustained engagement that includes joint exercises, information sharing and coordinated patrols. They argued that such engagement reduces miscalculation at sea and builds channels of communication that can be activated during crises. Several commanders echoed this view, pointing to multinational task forces operating in the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and Red Sea as practical examples of cooperation that blends national interests with collective security.

Discussions at the conference also examined maritime security threats that have grown more complex over the past decade. Delegates highlighted the persistence of piracy and armed robbery at sea, the proliferation of unmanned systems, cyber vulnerabilities affecting naval platforms, and the risk posed by state and non-state actors to undersea cables and offshore infrastructure. Energy installations, ports and shipping routes were described as increasingly exposed to hybrid threats that require both military readiness and diplomatic coordination to manage.

A recurring theme was the importance of legal frameworks and rules-based conduct at sea. Naval leaders emphasised adherence to international maritime law as a stabilising factor, particularly in congested waterways where naval, commercial and fishing vessels operate in close proximity. Several participants underlined that consistent application of these norms supports freedom of navigation while reducing the risk of escalation arising from routine encounters.

The role of technology featured prominently in the exchanges. Commanders discussed how artificial intelligence, satellite surveillance and autonomous vessels are reshaping maritime domain awareness. While these tools offer improved detection and response capabilities, speakers cautioned that they also lower barriers to entry for asymmetric actors. This, they argued, reinforces the need for shared standards and interoperable systems among allied and partner navies to ensure that technological advances enhance collective security rather than fuel competition.

Beyond operational concerns, the conference devoted attention to the human dimension of naval diplomacy. Training, professional military education and officer exchanges were presented as long-term investments that build trust across services and cultures. Participants noted that personal relationships formed through such programmes often prove decisive during periods of tension, enabling rapid communication that can prevent incidents from escalating.

Regional perspectives were complemented by contributions from extra-regional partners, reflecting the global stakes involved in Middle Eastern maritime security. Representatives from allied navies described their commitment to supporting stability through sustained presence and capacity-building initiatives. They also acknowledged sensitivities surrounding sovereignty and regional leadership, stressing that external involvement is most effective when aligned with local priorities and frameworks.

The conference took place against a backdrop of shifting alliances and evolving security architectures. Delegates observed that maritime cooperation has increasingly become a platform for dialogue even when political relations on land are strained. In this context, navies were described as uniquely placed to maintain professional engagement across divides, providing a measure of continuity in uncertain diplomatic environments.