Under the patronage of Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience (ISNR Abu Dhabi 2024), organised by ADNEC Group in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and in strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Police General Command and academic partnership with Rabdan Academy, concluded on May 23, 2024 after seeing the largest participation of exhibitors since the events inception in 2008.
Over the past 16 years, ISNR Abu Dhabi has consistently achieved unique successes, attracting wide-ranging participation from around the globe.
Moreover, the exhibition has played a pivotal role in advancing national security protection, tackling cybersecurity challenges, and showcasing the latest technological advancements in international security and risk management.
Extensive Participation
During the three days of the exhibition, 25,128 visitors attended, an increase of 30% compared to the previous edition of 19,493, to witness and acquire knowledge about the latest developments, innovations and technologies in the fields of cybersecurity, national security, policing and law enforcement.
The exhibition hosted 210 exhibitors from 35 countries, representing a 14% increase since the last edition. The surface area of the exhibition covered over 24,000 square metres of the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi an increase of 57% compared to 2022’s edition.
The Takedown
The opening day also witnessed “The Takedown”, a breathtaking display organised by the Ministry of the Interior that was repeated throughout the exhibition.
The Takedown display scenario illustrated the role of constructive international cooperation between law enforcement agencies as a decisive factor in combating organised crime. It also highlighted the efforts in this field made by the UAE, which attaches the utmost importance to strengthening global cooperation to tackle all forms of organised crime through the exchange of information and expertise. The display illustrated how international operations aided by positive and effective communication channels could eliminate a criminal organisation active in the field of human and drug trafficking.
The scenario involved a joint security operation between the UAE and a global country in coordination with Interpol to carry out a precise operation to isolate criminals and decisively terminate their activities.
Following the official opening, His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan toured the exhibition, examining the latest solutions and technologies in national security, cybersecurity enhancement, and civil protection.
He engaged with officials from various national and international pavilions, discussing innovations and security solutions and their vital role in maintaining stability and supporting sustainable development in global communities.
The Launch of the Rabdan Security and Defence Institute
During the ISNR 2024 conference, accompanying the exhibition, His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurated the Rabdan Security and Defence Institute (RSDI).
This specialised research centre focuses on security and defence studies, aiming to deepen understanding of regional security dynamics and identify potential threats, opportunities, and challenges.
ISNR Talks platform
Furthermore, a series of presentations and rich panel discussions were held within the ISNR Talks platform, which discussed a variety of topics related to cybersecurity challenges and solutions to protect critical infrastructure.
New Initiatives
Capital Events, ADNEC Group’s events management subsidiary, launched six new features at the 8th edition of the exhibition. These include the Cyber Security Hub, Innovation Zone, Interpol Policing Hub, Emerging Enterprises, Tech Talks and the ISNR Conference organised for the first time by the Ministry of Interior and Rabdan Academy in collaboration with ADNEC Group.
ISNR Conference
Over the two days of the ISNR Conference, pivotal discussions on critical security, policing and crisis management issues started on day one with a forum on “Policing and Crisis Management in the Era of Innovation”, featuring intensive discussion of a broad spectrum of topics including strategic alliances in global stability, national security trends, the adoption of future strategies, evidence-based policing and police strategies, and measures to ensure sustainability in homeland security. Day two of the conference focused on “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Security Technology” with the agenda covering national security systems, international cooperation, AI and cyber security and intelligence-based preparedness among other topics.
ISNR Technical Talks
During the ISNR technical talks, leading experts in various fields gathered to hold discussions, dialogue and interactive sessions to review many topics related to all aspects of security.
The Ministry of Interior’s Stand Activities
The Ministry of Interior stand at ISNR 2024 saw several activities take place, including the MOI Talks, featuring 22 Emirati and distinguished speakers covering a range of critically important issues.
In addition, two ceremonies were held for Ministry of Interior employees graduating from pioneering programs designed to enhance security and protection.
During a series of dialogue sessions for the Ministry of Interior on the second day of ISNR Abu Dhabi 2024, participants addressed several important topics that included child protection in cyberspace, institutional partnerships to improve child protection in cyberspace in the UAE, and the protection of women in cyberspace.
The sessions featured experts and specialists at the local and global levels discussing the importance of protecting society from cybercrime through governance enhancements, improvements in the quality of digital life, and cooperation between national institutions.
Moreover, they addressed international collaboration to raise awareness of cross-border cybersecurity challenges, and healthy and sound practices for dealing with them.
Daily Cybersecurity Challenge
ISNR Abu Dhabi 2024 featured numerous simulation experiences, events, and pioneering technologies provided by the innovative Cybersecurity Centre platform of the UAE Cybersecurity Council.
The Cybersecurity Centre offered an educational and awareness-raising space on cybersecurity threats, highlighting successful cybersecurity stories. It also hosted a cybersecurity competition, underscoring the increasing importance of cybersecurity in today’s evolving national security landscape.
New Guinness World Record
During ISNR Abu Dhabi 2024, the Cybersecurity Centre achieved a new Guinness World Record by conducting the largest simulation model of cybersecurity threats and their mitigation.
This achievement aligns with the “We the UAE 2031” vision, which aims to build a connected and effective society capable of keeping pace with global developments in various fields.
Throughout the exhibition, the Cybersecurity Centre hosted various activities, including the “Capture the Flag” challenge, a competition organised by the UAE Cybersecurity Council in collaboration with CTF.ae. This challenge was designed to assess participants’ cybersecurity skills and awareness levels.
Interpol Activities
The Interpol Policing Hub served as a focal point for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation in global law enforcement. Attendees took part in engaging sessions, interactive demonstrations, and networking opportunities with leading law enforcement professionals from around the world.
Coverage by: Razi Izzeddin El-Hadmi | Photography by: Omar Abdulla Alshehhi – Badr Muhammad Khorwa
