ISNR Abu Dhabi 2018 Launches First Edition of Future of Policing Forum

Abu Dhabi-UAE:– As part of a packed agenda on day two of the eighth International Exhibition for National Security & Resilience (ISNR Abu Dhabi 2018), the first edition of the Future of Policing Forum was officially opened by His Excellency Major General Dr Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, Inspector-General of the Ministry of Interior Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of ISNR Abu Dhabi 2018.

After the keynote address by Lt Colonel Sulieman Al Kaabi, Director of Innovation and Foresight Department at the Abu Dhabi Police, the Future of Policing forum hosted sessions entitled ‘The Need for AI Application Policies’ by Harshul Joshi, Senior Vice President for Cyber Advisory Services at DarkMatter, and ‘Artificial Intelligence: The Dilemma’ by Eric Moncet, Head of Sector in Charge of Citizen Security Business at Thales Group. The industry thought leaders examined the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI), its implications on security, and risks in the short and long term.

In line with the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, this year’s edition of ISNR Abu Dhabi explores the potential of artificial intelligence to revolutionise national security, heralding a shift from traditional physical security and law enforcement towards a more transformative and digital future. Set to redefine the future of policing, the event is spotlighting artificial intelligence solutions within critical infrastructure protection, major events security and cyber security.

In his presentation, Harshul Joshi spoke on the need to fully understand and take into account both the benefits and the risks of integrating AI into government systems. He said: “As with any new technology, when we incorporate AI into critical systems, we need to assess risks and take appropriate safety measures. There are tremendous benefits to leveraging AI, but we need to implement government policies and regulations that cover third-party equipment and accreditation, certification, and technical assessments, to ensure that systems are safeguarded against cyber threats.”

Meanwhile, Eric Moncet discussed the many ways that AI can help governments predict, identify, and resolve security issues. He said: “AI is already being used in cities around the world, but it must be implemented wisely. AI requires an enormous amount of data from surveillance cameras, Internet of Things, and social media. If integrated into operations successfully, AI can be a powerful tool for prediction and response by looking at data history and then automatically informing operators in real time. AI can help mitigate a range of illegal activities – from car theft to violence – or dangerous crowd developments.”

Underscoring the need for data security, he added: “Regulation, data privacy, and cyber risks must be addressed. Data needs to be protected to avoid being compromised and to ensure the confidentiality of citizens.”

Thales Group has been a regular participant at ISNR. Highlighting the importance of the exhibition for his company, Bernard Roux, Country Director for the UAE, said: “ISNR Abu Dhabi is the perfect event for Thales Group, and we are proud to once again be a part of this landmark exhibition to showcase our innovative solutions, which will further support the region’s defence and security initiatives.”

In his role at DarkMatter, Harshul Joshi manages governance, risk and compliance, and cyber network defence streams. A strategic partner of the exhibition, DarkMatter is an international digital defence and cyber security consultancy and implementation firm with head offices in the UAE, and research and development centres in Canada, Finland, and China.

At Thales Group, Eric Moncet is in charge of prospects and innovation for solutions related to critical infrastructures protection and safe cities. With 64,000 employees and operations in 56 countries, Thales Group provides world-class technology to keep the public safe and secure, guard vital infrastructure, and protect national security interests.

ISNR Abu Dhabi 2018 has drawn the participation of government delegations from friendly countries and prominent national security firms from the US, UK, France, Switzerland, Italy, Russia, Turkey and South Korea. The event spans the entire scope of homeland security sectors, such as digital crime management, forensics, critical infrastructure protection, border control, policing, counterterrorism, disaster management, ICT and digital security, crime and offender management, and safety and security at major events and crowded places.

Running until 8 March 2018 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, ISNR Abu Dhabi 2018 hosts more than 600 exhibitors from 55 countries in addition to over 200 government buyers and delegates. The mega security event has welcomed 25,000 local and international attendees.

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