Advanced strategies and technologies to protect both people and infrastructure from threats posed by terrorism will be promoted at an upcoming counter terror event in Abu Dhabi.

The inaugural Counter Terror Expo will run from October 30 to November 2 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Organised by Clarion Events Middle East, the event will feature companies offering services such as information management and security, location tracking, airport and transport security, covert surveillance and communication.

Others products and solutions would include maritime and off shore security, weapons and ammunition, blast containment, special vehicles for detection of explosives and transportation, technical clothing and protection, screening, scanning and emergency response equipment.

"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,” said Rear Admiral (Ret) Christopher Parry, former director general, Development Concepts and Doctrine, UK MoD and Clarion's Defence and Security conferences advisor.

“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.”

“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,” Parry added.

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 and identifying the best ways to get the public proactively involved in counter-terror strategies.

It will also feature 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, among others.

“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.

Christopher Hudson, managing director, Clarion Events Middle East, said: “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 and Washington D.C.”

“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,” he added.

A recent report published by Forecast International revealed that in 2010 the GCC countries invested $68.3 billion in defense and security, with an estimated rise to $72.4 billion in 2011, and $82.5 billion by 2015. – TradeArabia News Service