Global thought leaders to explore advances in cyber security, civil defence, and mega events security

March 11, 2021:   International thought leaders from the homeland and civil defence industries will be exploring the future of the industries and a pathway to a safer world during the three-day Milipol Qatar 2021 seminar programme.

The seminars will run alongside the main Milipol Qatar 2021 exhibition – 13th international biennial industry-only event for Homeland Security and Civil Defence – and one of the industry’s first opportunities to meet face-to-face since the outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic. 

Among the confirmed speakers to take the seminar stage are Eng. Khalid N. Sadiq Al-Hashmi, Assistant under Secretary, Cyber Security Department, Ministry of Transport & Communications, State of Qatar; Nazeeb Poolakkal, Senior Security Specialist, Ooredoo Managed SOC team, Ooredoo; Mika Lauhde, Vice-President, Cyber Security & Privacy, Global PACD, Huawei Technologies; Giacomo F. Speretta, VP Business Development, Leonardo; Falah Al Dosari, Manager Senior, Project Stadia, Interpol; and Charles-Hubert Dufour, Sales Director, Cerbair. 

The event, which is organised by Qatar's Ministry of Interior in partnership with Paris-based international event organiser Comexposium, acting on behalf of the GIE Milipol headed by Civipol, the technical implementer of the French ministry of the Interior, will run at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre from March 15-17.

Seminars will be divided in 3 sessions: Cyber Security and Cyberthreats on Tuesday 16 March, morning session, Civil Defence on Tuesday 16 March, afternoon session, and large events security management on Wednesday 17 March, morning session.

Cybersecurity has risen up government agendas throughout the Middle East and Africa where the sector is, according to Modor Intelligence, expected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.08 per cent until 2025.

Cybersecurity is just one element of a homeland security and civil defence industry which is now pivoting to meet demand for new and maturing technologies as nations readdress their future needs in an evolving, and increasingly contactless, landscape. Technologies for trace and detection and communication and control are amongst those now ever more in demand including counter-drone systems, big data, smart sensors, 5G, and AI-based cybersecurity and video analytics.

Milipol Qatar 2021 has attracted an exhibitor line-up representing 71 international companies, 17 nations and five national pavilions from Brazil, France, the UK, USA, and Germany. Significantly 53% of exhibitors are new to Milipol Qatar. The event meets a large part of the security objectives of the State of Qatar in line with the country’s National Vision 2030, while also addressing wider regional needs. 

Milipol Qatar 2021, which is expected to draw an international visitor turnout, will take place under the governance of strict health and safety protocols designed to combat the spread of COVID 19. 

Milipol Qatar 2021 has secured Barzan Holdings, the Qatar organisation which is helping to revolutionize the country’s defence and security sector as the event’s strategic sponsor. Other main sponsors include Abdullah Abdelghani & Bros and Eshhar Security Services while Outbox, Ooredoo and Al Hazm are Diamond Sponsors. Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co. is the event’s Platinum sponsor while Gold sponsors are Huawei, Stork Motors, Notification, and the Jaidah Group. Silver sponsors are MSC and Dell Technology while Bronze sponsors are Mannai Corporation, Nuctech and Salam Technology. Qommunications is the event’s official social media sponsor with Milaha being the official freight forwarder and Qatar Airways as the official carrier.