UAE to invest $10bn in 10 years in homeland security

The UAE is set to double its spending on homeland security from $5.5 billion to more than $10 billion in the next 10 years, according to a US study on security and safety resources. Moreover, the study, published in the 2013-2014 annual report of the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration, showed that the UAE spending on airport security is estimated to reach $57.7 million by 2015, with a view to increase investment on homeland security, economic development and rapid population growth, to curtail regional unrest and the increased complexity of potential threats. The 2014 International Exhibition for Security and National Resilience (ISNR), which will run from1-3 April, 2014 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), will discuss the results of the study extensively. The ISNR will cover three main platforms: homeland security and risks prevention; critical infrastructure security; and information security. ISNR Abu Dhabi will also be collocated with 2 new launch events, namely; the Fire and Emergency Middle East (FEME) Exhibition; and the Occupational Safety and Health Middle East (OSH ME). Major General Staff Dr. Obeid Al Kutbi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police and Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the ISNR Conference and Exhibition (ISNR Abu Dhabi, 2014), stressed that homeland security is a top priority for the UAE, in light of the social and economic development and growth witnessed by the country. "The UAE investments in security constantly reflect our quest to overcome the challenges and achieve security and safety for our community and our visitors," indicated Major General Al Kutbi. "The 2014 International Exhibition for Security and National Resilience represents an important opportunity to meet the increasing need to develop sophisticated surveillance programs, and to reduce the risks to our security and our safety. It will also provide the perfect platform for Emirati officials to review the best practices and strategies offered by international safety and security experts," added Major General Al Kutbi. The ISNR Abu Dhabi 2014 is expected to attract 400 exhibitors from more than 25 countries. It will play host to 15,000 recognized senior security, safety and risk prevention professionals from across the Middle East. This year's edition of ISNR Abu Dhabi will also bring together representatives of government bodies, exhibitors and buyers; offering UAE government decision-makers the opportunity to meet with top security industry professionals and exhibitors, and obtain solutions to meet their specific needs in the area of safety and security under one roof. It is noteworthy that the 2014 International Exhibition for Security and National Resilience will be preceded by the International Conference on Security Challenges, on Monday, the 31st of March, 2014 at the Armed Forces Officers Club. The Conference will discuss and address emerging global homeland security challenges, and highlight the necessary security-related preventive measures.