His Highness Lt. Gen Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, inaugurated the eighth and largest edition of the International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience (ISNR Abu Dhabi 2024) and its accompanying conference on Tuesday, amid a large official presence of international guests and local and regional officials.

The opening ceremony was attended by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, His Excellency Oluboonmi Ojo, Minister of Interior of Nigeria, His Excellency Iman Suleiman Ibrahim, Minister of State for Nigerian Police Affairs, His Excellency Herman Imungulent, Minister of Interior of Gabon, His Excellency Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Ali Koman, Secretary General of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers, His Excellency Major General Staff Khalifa Harib Al Khaili, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, and His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri.  Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, His Excellency Major General Staff Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, His Excellency Counselor Saif Al Sha'far, His Excellency Major General Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the Exhibition, Commanders-in-Chief of Police in the UAE, His Excellency Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, Valdisi Orkiza, Vice President of INTERPOL for the Americas, a number of ambassadors accredited to the UAE and a number of officers from the Ministries of Defence and Interior.

His Highness Lt. Gen Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, said: “The UAE, with the vision of wise leadership, continues to host the largest international events, consolidating its advanced position and good international reputation. Abu Dhabi's hosting of ISNR 2024, amid wide international participation, embodies the distinguished position that the UAE has reached as an international destination. It brings together the cultures and experiences of the world on a civilised platform for dialogue, convergence, and exchange of best practices for the benefit and enhancement of the security of societies around the world.”

His Highness stressed that the exhibition and the accompanying conference constitute a qualitative leap since the exhibition's inception. Under the theme Accelerating the transformation in the national security system, it is a global event primarily focused on enhancing national security, preventing risks, addressing urgent security challenges, and discussing the latest trends in national security, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The event aims to build strategic visions and plans to mitigate risks.

His Highness explained that the exhibition reflects the UAE's high capabilities in facing global challenges and combating cyber-attacks to protect societal security and secure infrastructure and vital facilities. This confirms that the UAE is one of the safest countries, thanks to the wise leadership's directives to achieve the highest standards of security and safety and to build capabilities to address the challenges posed by the integration of artificial intelligence technologies and applications in all areas of life.

The exhibition is organised by ADNEC Group in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, in strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Police GHQ and academic partnership with Rabdan Academy. It will take place from 21-23 May under the theme Accelerating the Transformation of the National Security System. Capital Events, the event management arm of ADNEC Group is organising the eighth edition of the exhibition.

After the official opening ceremony, His Highness toured the corridors of the international exhibition. He and his official guests were briefed on a number of national and international pavilions on the latest solutions and technologies in maintaining national security, enhancing cybersecurity, and improving prevention and civil protection.

His Highness also visited the ISNR Startup Zone supported by the Khalifa Fund, which included 15 startups, showcasing their most prominent projects and technical technologies.

During the opening ceremony of the ISNR 2024, His Highness and the attendees watched a show entitled The Take Down, presented by the Ministry of Interior. This performance included a detailed security scenario, demonstrating the UAE's efforts, under its wise leadership, to enhance security, community prevention, and civil protection.

The presentation scenario shows constructive international cooperation between law enforcement agencies, a decisive factor in combating organized crime and the efforts of the United Arab Emirates, which attaches utmost importance to strengthening bridges of international cooperation in combating all forms of organized crime, through the exchange of information and expertise, and coordination of international efforts, out of its belief that  Global solidarity is the best way to achieve security and stability. 

An international operation is carried out through positive and effective communication channels, with the aim of eliminating a criminal organisation active in the field of human and drug trafficking. It is a joint security operation between the UAE, Spain, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Brazil and Colombia in coordination with Interpol, and thanks to the exchange of information and the use of advanced technology enhanced by intelligence.  In the UAE, active movements of two international gangs were monitored.  Through the careful monitoring and follow-up operations of the UAE security services, the geographical location of the two gangs was determined, so that the specialized teams simultaneously began their field operations... to encircle the criminals and direct a decisive blow to them

His Highness Lt. Gen Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, presided over the graduation ceremony of 54 members from the Ministry of Interior and the General Police HQs. These members successfully completed a specialised program in child protection, qualifying them as specialists in this important field.

This program aims to train specialised staff in handling reports concerning children, enhancing the competencies of child protection workers, and equipping them with the necessary skills for effective intervention and support.

The program encompassed various components, including the Child Rights Law, mental health awareness, national aspects involving police, prosecution, and courts, behavioural analysis, evidence collection mechanisms, and specialised aspects of quality of life.

Additionally, the program featured field visits, workshops with the public prosecution, as well as presentations, experiences and successful case studies to enrich the learning experience.

For his part, His Excellency Major General Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the exhibition, said: "We have spared no effort in making ISNR Abu Dhabi 2024 a global platform for showcasing the latest innovations in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and internal security. Our aim is for it to serve as a forum for constructive cooperation between policymakers and security sector professionals."

He elaborated that through the exhibition, they aim to explore cutting-edge advancements in the national and electronic security industries, which play a crucial role in advancing and safeguarding national and cybersecurity, mitigating risks, and upholding global peace and security. Additionally, these industries contribute to economic development through innovation, benefiting numerous countries.

He added: "As we organise the exhibition and accompanying conference, we are acutely aware of the rapid technological advancements. Strengthening security sector technology is essential to safeguard the country's vital infrastructure and facilities by enhancing cybersecurity and internal security. Moreover, the technologies showcased at the event have significant commercial and civil applications."

He explained that the exhibition and accompanying conference focus on presenting and discussing the latest trends in national security, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity with the aim of enhancing 'risk prevention measures and maintaining the national security stability of all countries.

His Excellency Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, MD & Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said: “That ISNR Abu Dhabi 2024 presents the latest technologies and innovations in artificial intelligence, homeland security, and cybersecurity, which can be utilised for legitimate defence and security purposes. Furthermore, these technologies promise social and economic benefits through technological innovation and strengthened national protection measures.”

He stressed that ISNR Abu Dhabi 2024 encourages the development of security sector innovations with a focus on transparency and ethical use of technology. It serves as an ideal platform for fostering new businesses and building networks among various agencies, institutions, and specialised local, regional, and global companies. The event encompasses various fields including national security, cybersecurity, police, law enforcement, and critical facilities protection.

Al Dhaheri affirmed ADNEC Group's commitment to supporting vital sectors, diversifying the national economy, and enhancing the competitiveness of local companies on a global scale. Through hosting and organising prestigious international exhibitions, ADNEC Group aims to lead global business tourism in Abu Dhabi. These exhibitions promote excellence and foster profitable business partnerships, contributing to the growth and development of the region.

He emphasised that ISNR Abu Dhabi 2024 plays a pivotal role in bolstering Abu Dhabi's status as a dynamic knowledge economy, aligning with the wise leadership's directives over the past 50 years to promote non-oil sectors. As organisers, ADNEC Group takes pride in the capabilities of its team and the collaboration with strategic partners to ensure the success of this prominent global event.