With GCC countries to spend $72.4 billion on defense and security in 2011, Clarion Events Middle East launched the first edition of Counter Terror Expo in Abu Dhabi later this year.
The event is aimed at promoting advanced strategies and technologies to protect both people and infrastructure from threats posed by terrorism, and supporting security, stability and safety in the region.
A recent report published by Forecast International revealed that in 2010 the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries invested US$68.3 billion in defense and security, with an estimated rise to US$72.4 billion in 2011, and US$82.5 billion by 2015. The investments indicate the GCC governments’ concern for the threat of terror and the protection of their people and infrastructure.
To be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 30 October to 02 November, 2011, the four-day Counter Terror Expo will provide the ideal platform for experts from governments, security services, law enforcement organizations and the armed forces, along with leading exhibitors and solution providers, to combat the potential threat of terror in the region.
“In a time of complexity, change and unpredictability at every level of human activity, all countries are seeking effective ways to reduce risk and provide comprehensive security and assurance for their people and critical infrastructure. The scale and range of potential risks – both natural and human – require innovative solutions, intelligently networked systems and adaptive technologies that can deliver adequate warning, responsiveness and resilience during both routine operations and crisis situations,” Rear Admiral (Retd) Christopher Parry, Former Director General, Development Concepts and Doctrine, UK MoD and Clarion’s Defence and Security Conferences Advisor, said.
“Recent large-scale natural and industrial catastrophes and the constant challenges from terrorists, criminals and cross-border intruders have reinforced the need for government agencies, law enforcement officials and armed forces to be equipped, trained and configured to identify, contain and deal with a wide spectrum of potential risks.”
The conference will also include lessons from operations, demonstrations of sophisticated techniques and advanced technologies designed to deter and defeat both existing and emerging terrorist, criminal and other violent threats; identifying the best ways to get the public proactively involved in counter-terror strategies; cross-examining global counter-terror strategies to identify best practices and the lessons learned; considering cyber threat to critical infrastructure and understanding the solutions available to tackle this growing challenge; and much more.
“The conference will bring together senior policy-makers, military commanders, law enforcement specialists, as well as infrastructure specialists and global solution providers, to explore and demonstrate ways in which resilience, security and assurance can be delivered in the most agile, cost-effective manner,” said Parry.
“Clarion Events Middle East is proud to debut the Counter Terror Expo in Abu Dhabi after the success the event has had in both London, U.K., and Washington D.C., U.S.A. The GCC governments have invested a significant amount of resources to understand and anticipate emerging threats and provide solutions to reduce potential risks. The Expo provides a platform for speakers and exhibitors to showcase both new technologies and ideas, making it a must-attend event for those involved in enhancing the region’s protection against terror,” Christopher Hudson, Managing Director, Clarion Events Middle East, said.
Visitors to the Counter Terror Expo will include personnel from the intelligence services, armed forces, police and law enforcement, protectors of critical national infrastructure , ventral/regional and local government representatives, private sector companies, systems integrators, and personnel from the building and facilities protection, airports and ports, emergency response, border control, customs and immigration, transport security, training and consultancy sectors.
Counter Terror Expo is an extension of the successful London and Washington D.C. editions and will be co-located with Fire and Rescue Middle East.