Overall defence spending in the Middle East will hit $100 billion by 2015 with the bulk of expenditure focused on high-technology security systems, said the organisers of an upcoming international security trade show in Abu Dhabi.

The 2012 edition of International Security and National Resilience (ISNR) Abu Dhabi, a biennial trade show that serves as the Middle East’s definitive event for homeland security, will take place from March 19 to 21 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

“Nowadays, technology plays a crucial role when addressing homeland security issues,” said Mohamad Bader-Eddin, show director, Reed Exhibitions, organisers of ISNR Abu Dhabi 2012.

“Government expenditure on homeland security has accordingly increased and will continue to surge as part of ongoing efforts to prevent breaches in national security, which could threaten sustained socioeconomic development.”

“Obviously, traditional homeland security technologies, techniques and approaches may no longer work against emerging and evolving security threats posed by terrorists and criminal organizations, which are increasingly combining modern technology and conventional tactics to launch a type of hybrid warfare,” Bader-Eddin added.

“Against the backdrop of sophisticated security threats, there is no doubt that homeland security companies and related solutions providers will be vital in efforts to suppress the malicious intentions of terrorists and criminal organizations,” he said.

The latest homeland security solutions that specifically cater to the security requirements of Middle East countries will be on display during the 2012 edition of ISNR Abu Dhabi.

According to the show’s organizers, trade visitors can expect a much wider range of homeland security solutions, concepts and technologies, which can range to the seemingly routine to the more complex security systems.

One of the breakthroughs that are expected to attract strong interest among homeland security professionals is the recent discovery by researchers of the ability of plants to detect environmental contaminants and explosives.

Homeland security solutions and technologies are also being actively developed within the region with efforts by organizations such as Tawazun Holding, a strategic investment firm involved in the development of Abu Dhabi’s industrial manufacturing and technology sectors and the execution of key knowledge transfers with a specific focus on the defense manufacturing.

“The upcoming ISNR Abu Dhabi 2012 will provide an ideal networking venue for government representatives and homeland security specialists to interact and discuss various security issues, opportunities and challenges,” Bader-Eddin continued.

“The event will gather high-level government officials and decision makers who are eager to explore the technological advances that have been made by homeland security specialists over the past two years since the last edition of ISNR Abu Dhabi.”

“It is clear that technology has become a key element that helps determine the homeland security strategies of different countries in the region. Accordingly, ISNR Abu Dhabi 2012 is poised to serve as the definitive venue for the latest technological advances in the critical area of homeland security,” concluded Bader-Eddin.

ISNR Abu Dhabi 2012 will encompass border and transport security; intelligence and threat assessment; critical infrastructure protection; emergency preparedness and response; counter terrorism; and resilience.

The expo expects 250 exhibitors from 30 countries who will present their defense and security solutions to around 12,000 visitors and 60 official delegates from 15 countries.

In its previous edition, the show registered an increase of over 48 per cent in exhibitor participation. – TradeArabia News Service