HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy PM and Minister of Interior inaugurates ISNR Abu Dhabi 2016

HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the “Aftershock 2” live demonstration on responding to crises and emergencies

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior inaugurated on Tuesday the activities of the International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience (ISNR Abu Dhabi 2016). The event is organised by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Interior (MoI) and Reed Exhibitions at Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (ADNEC), from 15-17 March.

HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan confirmed that the 7th edition of the exhibition comes at a time when all of our national institutions have gained further experience and expertise in organising international specialised exhibitions, as per the best international standards. They are inspired by the thoughts of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; and their brother General HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; along with their brethren, their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, to realise further international accomplishments in this field.

Security sector and cooperation in UAE

In a statement at the opening of the ISNR Abu Dhabi 2016, HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan said, “The UAE was one of the first to identify the global security challenges and developments in our world, thanks to its wise leadership. It worked to cement the economic and investment structures in a secure and safe environment, using highly-qualified human resources, with the latest tools of the era.”

“The UAE is one of the most secure and stable countries in the world. This requires all of us, individuals and institutions, to work tirelessly and relentlessly to keep the security and stability and preserve the national gains achieved by the UAE in various fields,” added HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan. “Holding this exhibition is an enormous opportunity for the governments in the region and private sector security and safety companies to come together to exchange experiences with the participating delegation and companies; review the latest international systems, tools, equipment, and technologies in the fields of security, safety, crime fighting and prevention.”

HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed his hope that ISNR Abu Dhabi 2016 will achieve the set goals to promote cooperation and coordination between the governments of the world in the fields of security, safety, and police work, to fulfil their goals in crime fighting. This will help them keep up with a fast-paced world, which requires further cooperation to face such challenges. HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan wished the esteemed guests a pleasant stay in their second country, the UAE, and expressed his hope that they achieve the best benefits and interests from the exhibition.

The "Aftershock 2" live demonstration

HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the “Aftershock 2” live demonstration on responding to crises and emergencies, which aims to introduce a uniform structure used by the UAE to coordinate emergency responses. It also aims to promote the readiness of various security bodies to handle major crises through the Integration Doctrine applicable to all the security bodies at the MoI. The event also aims to educate members of society on how to prepare and respond appropriately to natural disasters or in cases of emergency.

The 40-minute “Aftershock 2” live demonstration featured a simulation show on dealing with crises and disasters that may affect modern cities. The scenario included a cargo jet falling on a chemical plant, leaking poisonous substances, and panic among the plant’s workers. The live demonstration showcased the response speed of the various security and police bodies, as well as the highly professional management of the situation, as the injured workers were provided with the necessary first aid and the fire resulting from the accident was brought under control.

The “Aftershock 2” live demonstration was executed by traffic patrols; guards and special tasks patrols; rescue and ambulance personnel; civil defence; security media; mobile control room; specialised security patrols dedicated to dealing with hazardous chemical substances; a mobile police hospital; a K9 security inspection department; post explosions investigation teams; a major crimes investigation unit; and a fire investigation team.

The live demonstration reflects the MoI staff, units and personnel’s preparedness and professionalism in ensuring prompt responses, controlling the field, and restoring daily life activities to their normal track. It witnessed wide attendance by different local, regional and global media outlets.

The demonstration showcased the coordinated approach and the Integration Doctrine adopted by the MoI’s security units, and the joint collaboration and coordination between the operations centre and personnel working onsite in order to preserve public safety during major crises and disasters. It also demonstrated their speed, efficiency, and spirit of teamwork while rescuing the injured, in addition to their ability to calming people and control the situation to avoid damages.

HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, accompanied by Lt. General Saif Abdullah Al Sha’far, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Interior, along with high ranking officers from the armed forces, police and visiting delegations, took photographs with the participants of the “Aftershock 2” live demonstration which was admired by the audience, who witnessed their interaction with it.

Equipment exhibitions and civil defence presentations

HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the accompanying dignitaries and delegates toured the exhibition pavilions and reviewed the systems and equipment on display. HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan also viewed the presentations of participating local and foreign companies and institutions, and individual presentations. He also toured the pavilions of national universities and higher colleges of technology, and was briefed on the latest ambulance, rescue and search mechanisms, along with civil defence and safety equipment.

HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan stopped at the pavilions of a number of national and international exhibiting companies and institutions. He listened to a detailed overview from officials of Etisalat and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), who briefed him on the companies’ contingency plans and prevention tactics in cases of oil leaks. HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan also visited the pavilions of Caracal, Omniyati Prosthetics Arts Center, Security Support, critical infrastructure, secured printing solutions, the latest DNA systems and laboratories, and International Golden Group (IGG), amongst others.

At the end of his tour, HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed his utmost admiration of the displayed items at the exhibiting companies’ pavilions, including the latest security and safety equipment and technologies. He also expressed his admiration of the large number of visitors.

On the sidelines of the exhibition, HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan honoured a group of students from the universities and schools whose innovative projects won the first edition of the ISNR Innovative Ideas Award. The two female college students Huda Al Mazroui and Manar Khalil Al Hammadi won the award for their oxygen detection system; while the student Mohammed Hamad Al Shehhi won the award for his smart system to ventilate and cool cars; and female student Asma’ Rashed Al Mazroui won the award for her drone project.

Among the school students were Zaid Al Shehhi, who won the award for inventing a device that generates electricity from the movement of transportation; female student Sheikha Saeed, who won an award for her smart bumps system project; and female students Mariam Rashed and Sheikha Abbas for their sixth instinct project.

Opening ceremony of ISNR Abu Dhabi

The opening ceremony was attended by HH Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammad Al Nahyan; HE Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs; HE Saqr Ghubash, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation; Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Salem, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, Saudi Arabia; Lt. General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces; Lt. General Saif Abdullah Al Sha’far, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Interior; Major General Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police; and Major General Dr. Nasser Lakhrebani Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of the Office of HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; along with heads of participating delegations, UAE police general directors, MoI general directors, and a large number of police officers.

In parallel with ISNR Abu Dhabi 2016, organised under the slogan “Linking Governments, Communities and Business and Innovation Sectors for a Safer World More Capable of Warding off Risks,” four exhibitions will be held under its umbrella. They are: Infosecurity Middle East, Emergency Response & Disaster Prevention, Firefighting Middle East, and Occupational Safety and Health Middle East. The international exhibition will occupy a total area of about 20,000 net square metres.

Major General Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, Inspector General of the Ministry of Interior and Deputy Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of ISNR Abu Dhabi 2016, underlined that ISNR reflects the leading role played by the UAE in giving priority to the safety of its citizens and residents. “It also provides the participants with the opportunity to share global best practices, being the world’s largest homeland security and national resilience event,” he said. Moreover, Al Raisi indicated that ISNR contributes to the consolidation of trade relations between the public and private sectors and the academic sector to ensure stability in the region, and drive innovation in the field of safety and public security.

For his part, Ara Fernezian, Group Managing Director – Middle East at Reed Exhibitions, noted that ISNR contributes to the revitalisation of homeland security and national resilience related markets, solutions, products and services, given the prominent stature of the UAE as a commercial gateway with wide access to the countries of the MENA region. “The first day of the event witnessed strong participation and a positive reaction, while the coming days will offer a great opportunity to accomplish new business and experience high-end products and solutions from major exhibitors, in addition to communicating and interacting with international experts,” underscored Ara Fernezian.

It is expected that the exhibition will witness and result in the signing of business deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars between the participating and present parties of the public and private sectors, double the figure that was achieved in the 2014 edition of the event. These deals cover a variety of areas including aircraft, remote controlled vehicles, information security software, and fire-fighting and occupational safety equipment.

Box out:

Major General Al Nuaimi: An Outstanding Exhibition as per the Best International Standards

Major General Dr. Nasser Lakhrebani Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of the Office of HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, underscored that ISNR Abu Dhabi 2016 stressed the eagerness and the great attention accorded by the high leadership to organise international specialised exhibitions, according to the best international standards. “This leadership relentlessly strives to establish security, stability and decent living, out of its belief that the security institution is one of the main pillars of stability, progress and prosperity. It also endeavours to achieve the desired vision of making the UAE one of the best countries in the world in terms of safety and stability,” he said.

Furthermore, Major General Al Nuaimi emphasised that the exhibition is a comprehensive dedicated platform for countries from around the world to view and source the world's latest homeland security solutions and conclude relevant deals. “It also represents a valuable opportunity to meet and exchange expertise with the participating delegations and exhibiting companies, and to become familiar with the latest international technological systems and specialised equipment for security, safety, crime fighting, and prevention,” he concluded.