The Institute offers comprehensive analysis, research, and policy recommendations concerning defence and security matters in the Middle East.

• It embodies a distinctive model within the United Arab Emirates, concentrating on defence and security topics often overlooked by existing think tanks.

• Facilitating international dialogues among policymakers, diplomats and experts, fostering the exchange of ideas and perspectives crucial for informed decision-making support.

Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, launched the Rabdan Security and Defence Institute (RSDI), a specialized think tank focusing on security and defence studies, during the ISNR 2024 Conference.

This initiative is part of a strategic endeavour led by Rabdan Academy, a global leader in safety, security, defence, emergency preparedness and crisis management.

As a strategic think tank, the RSDI will offer analysis, research and recommendations to policymakers on defence and security matters pertaining to the Middle East. It aims to deepen comprehension of regional security dynamics, identify potential threats, opportunities and challenges.

His Highness also attended part of the circles of Resilience initiative, the first youth dialogue platform for security and defence domains, led by Rabdan Academy. This initiative gathers distinguished experts to empower and educate young individuals in artificial intelligence, security technology, national defence, and other pertinent subjects related to national security and resilience.

His Excellency James Morse, President of Rabdan Academy, remarked: ‘Our vision is to advance peace, stability, and security in the Middle East and globally through meticulous analysis, strategic policy recommendations and active engagement with stakeholders worldwide, including policymakers, thought leaders, organizations and experts.’

He further emphasized that the RSDI exemplifies a distinctive model in the United Arab Emirates, addressing defence and security concerns often overlooked by existing think tanks, standing out as an exceptional addition due to the unique outputs it generates.

Morse also announced that the centre will commence its initial operational phase through a strategic partnership with the Middle East Institute in Washington, a renowned global research centre specializing in Middle East and North African affairs. This collaboration will focus on defence and security fields, leveraging a high-level network of senior researchers, academics and experts worldwide. He highlighted that the centre will utilize modern technical tools and methods to enhance the development and management of scientific research.

The RSDI will prioritize several strategic research areas, including threat assessment, geopolitics, energy security, human security, conflict resolution, military capability development, defence technology, defence industry and innovation, regional security cooperation, civil-military relations, terrorism and extremism, Border security and immigration, weapons proliferation and arms control, cybersecurity, disaster risk assessment and emergency management.

Dr. Naji Al Seiari, Research & Innovation Director and Interim Dean of Faculty at Rabdan Academy, said: ‘we are excited about the prospect of establishing partnerships with various think tanks, specialized international research centres, academic institutions, and organizations dedicated to addressing international security and defence matters on both regional and global scales.’

Al Seiari further highlighted that this high-level initiative aims to enhance international dialogues by engaging policymakers, diplomats and experts in exchanging ideas and visions. It will also involve the development of policy papers, reports, and high-level media briefings focused on addressing international security issues impacting the Middle East region and beyond.

The RSDI will conduct accurate research on security and defence challenges from a Middle Eastern perspective, organizing seminars, workshops, conferences, and disseminating expert analyses and commentary. It will provide recommendations to policymakers, military leaders, governments, and international organizations, facilitating constructive cooperation with government agencies and international think tanks to enhance strategic planning and decision-making support.

The launch of RSDI occurred during the ISNR 2024 conference, jointly organized by the Ministry of Interior and Rabdan Academy at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Abu Dhabi 23 May: Under the patronage of Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience (ISNR Abu Dhabi 2024), organized by ADNEC Group in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and in strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Police General Command and academic partnership with Rabdan Academy, concluded today after seeing the largest participation of exhibitors since the events inception in 2008.

At the ISNR 2024 conference accompanying the exhibition, which was organized by the Ministry of Interior and Rabdan Academy in cooperation with ADNEC Group, Lt. General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, launched the Rabdan Security and Defense Institute (RSDI), a specialized research centre dedicated to advanced security and defence studies with the aim of deepening understanding of regional security dynamics and identify potential threats, opportunities and challenges.

Within the “ISNR Dialogues” platform, a series of presentations and fruitful dialogue sessions were held that discussed a broad spectrum of topics related to cybersecurity challenges and solutions for protecting critical infrastructure.

The third and final day of the Dialogues was held under the theme “Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection”, which commenced with a presentation entitled “Using Strategic Intelligence to Understand and Confront Physical and Cybersecurity Threats.”

During the three days of the exhibition, 25,128 visitors attended, an increase of 30% compared to the previous edition of 19,493, to witness and acquire knowledge about the latest developments, innovations and technologies in the fields of cybersecurity, national security, policing and law enforcement.

The exhibition hosted 210 exhibitors from 35 countries, representing a 14% increase since the last edition. The surface area of the exhibition covered over 24,000 square metres of the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi an increase of 57% compared to 2022s edition.

Capital Events, ADNEC Group’s events management subsidiary, launched six new features were launched at this years edition: the Cyber Security Hub, Innovation Zone, Interpol Policing Hub, Emerging Enterprises, Tech Talks and the ISNR Conference organised by Ministry of Interior and Rabdan Academy in collaboration with ADNEC Group.

The opening day also witnessed a breath-taking display organized by the Ministry of the Interior that was repeated throughout the duration of the exhibition. The display scenario illustrated the role of constructive international cooperation between law enforcement agencies as a decisive factor in combating organized crime. It also highlighted the efforts in this field made by the UAE, which attaches the utmost importance to strengthening global cooperation to tackle all forms of organized crime through the exchange of information and expertise. The display illustrated how international operations aided by positive and effective communication channels could eliminate a criminal organization active in the field of human and drug trafficking. The scenario involved a joint security operation between the UAE and a global country in coordination with Interpol to carry out a precise operation to isolate criminals and decisively terminate their activities.

Over the two days of the ISNR Conference, pivotal discussions on critical security, policing and crisis management issues started on day one with a forum on “Policing and Crisis Management in the Era of Innovation”, featuring intensive discussion of a broad spectrum of topics including strategic alliances in global stability, national security trends, the adoption of future strategies, evidence-based policing and police strategies, and measures to ensure sustainability in homeland security. Day two of the conference focused on “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Security Technology” with the agenda covering national security systems, international cooperation, AI and cyber security and intelligence-based preparedness among other topics.

During the ISNR technical talks, leading experts in various fields gathered to hold discussions, dialogue and interactive sessions to review many topics related to all aspects of security.

Throughout the course of ISNR, the ISNR Talks brought together leading experts in various fields for discussions, sessions and panels to discuss several topics. A series of presentations and rich panel discussions were held within the ISNR Talks platform, which discussed a variety of topics related to cybersecurity challenges and solutions to protect critical infrastructure. The third and final day of the "ISNR Dialogues" within the "Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection" forum began with a presentation entitled "Using Strategic Intelligence to Understand and Counter Physical and Cybersecurity Threats".

The Ministry of Interior stand at ISNR 2024 saw several activities take place, including the MOI Talks, featuring 22 Emirati and distinguished speakers covering a range of critically important issues. In addition, two ceremonies were held for Ministry of Interior employees graduating from pioneering programs designed to enhance security and protection.

During a series of dialogue sessions for the Ministry of Interior on the second day of ISNR Abu Dhabi 2024, participants addressed several important topics that included child protection in cyberspace, institutional partnerships to improve child protection in cyberspace in the UAE, and the protection of women in cyberspace.

The sessions featured experts and specialists at the local and global levels discussing the importance of protecting society from cybercrime through governance enhancements, improvements in the quality of digital life, and cooperation between national institutions. International cooperation to raise awareness of cross-border cybersecurity challenges, and healthy and sound practices for dealing with them, were also addressed.

Additionally, two graduation ceremonies took place for the Ministry of Interior. A graduation ceremony of 54 members from the Ministry and the Abu Dhabi Police GHQ took place. These graduates consisted of members of police stations who successfully completed a specialised program in child protection, qualifying them as specialists in this important field.

A second graduation on the final day consisted of the ninth batch of the Future Services Diploma, that aims to develop the capabilities of national cadres, qualify them towards pioneering future services, enhance the process of government work, and facilitate the lives of community members with distinguished services. In all, 225 employees graduated from this pioneering programme, with 49 federal and local entities along with companies and institutions being represented.

The Cyber Security Hub, launched by the UAE Cyber Security Council, held a daily competition for cyber security practitioners. Titled “Capture the Flag” this unique and competitive feature aimed to evaluate the cybersecurity skills and knowledge of participants. Participants tested their skills on 10 different cyber activities, including hacking artificial intelligence, cryptography and various other coding challenges. On the final day, Mohammed Aloraimi, was awarded as the winner, an outcome that emphasised the importance of growing cyber security capabilities within the UAE.

The Interpol Policing Hub served as a focal point for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation in global law enforcement. Attendees took part in engaging sessions, interactive demonstrations, and networking opportunities with leading law enforcement professionals from around the world.

Abu Dhabi 22, May: Held under the patronage of H.H. Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, day two of the International Exhibition for National Security & Resilience (ISNR) 2024, concluded featuring several high-level discussions from numerous features at the exhibition and accompanying ISNR Conference.

With 210 exhibitors participating at ISNR 2024, presence of 35 participating countries reflects ISNR’s expanding global profile. With world-leading companies, specialists and national security and cybersecurity agencies assembled, the eighth edition of ISNR consolidates business partnerships among entities operating in areas including national security, cybersecurity, police and law enforcement, and critical infrastructure protection.

Organised for the first time by the Ministry of Interior and the Rabdan Academy in partnership with ADNEC Group, the ISNR conference closed today after a series of insightful presentations and panel sessions featuring leading experts in national security and resilience. Under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Security Technology”, the event's second day focused on new developments in AI and their impact on police and crisis management. The agenda opened with a keynote speech by H.E. Major General Dr Ahmed Al Raisi, Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee for ISNR 2024, who stressed both the need for international cooperation on cross-border crime and the great example set by the wise leadership's vision of community and tolerance as a model for the world. Among other topics covered by experts during the day were national security systems, international cooperation, AI and cyber security, and intelligence-based preparedness.

ISNR Talks, a returning event at ISNR 2024 featured several sessions with industry leaders across eight sessions. The keynote address, given by Toshinobu Yasuhira, Director Interpol Global Complex for Innovation, focused on opportunities and challenges in law enforcement who explained that INTERPOL's global architecture comprises two key elements: the General Secretariat and the INTERPOL Global Innovation Park, which aims to help Member States understand and prepare for the changing environment affecting law enforcement in the face of technological advancement.

In the afternoon session focused on"Evaluating Smart Police Stations: Benefits and Limitations", Colonel Mohammed Al Amer from Abu Dhabi Police highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence to develop their security system. Colonel Mohammed Al Amer explained that the advantages of smart police centers include speed and efficiency, reducing costs by automating processes, enhancing security and safety by improving monitoring and proactivity, and improving user experience by providing integrated online services.

As a complement to the ISNR Talks valuable thought leadership, eight dialogue sessions were held at the "MOI Talks", which featured 22 eminent and distinguished speakers covering a range of critically important issues related to child safety. The panel discussion entitled " The Role of Family Bonding in Child Protection in Cyberspace", hosted Dr. Jassim Al Hammadi, from the Department of Social Services in the Emirate of Sharjah, Dr. Fatima Al Raisi from the Ministry of Community Development, Major Khalid Al Kaabi from the Ministry of Interior Child Protection Center, and Ms. Hessa Al Kaabi, from the Emirates Schools Establishment, managed by Fahad Heikal. The session dealt with the importance of parents in the family possessing positive electronic awareness tools, to raise their children's awareness about the challenges of cyberspace.

Additionally, during the "Safe Child Use of the Internet" session, which was hosted by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Government's Cybersecurity Council, His Excellency Dr. Ibrahim Al Dabal, CEO of the Khalifa Empowerment Program "Aqdar", Lt. Col. Abdulrahman Al Tamimi from the Ministry of Interior Child Protection Center, and Mr. Abdul Raouf Amira, from the Department of Social Services in the Emirate of Sharjah,discussed the UAE's initiatives in raising awareness of the safe uses of the Internet and dealing with space Cyber, in light of the multiplicity of cyber challenges and cybercrimes that children may fall victim to.

The Cyber Security Hub, with the participation of the Cyber Security Council at ISNR displayed numerous cyber security innovations and the latest technology. There were two sessions on day 2, focused on Introduction to Cyber Defense and Threat Hunting Detection. With cybersecurity being critical to national security, the exhibition offers an ideal opportunity to showcase the latest technological developments in this field. Through the Cyber Security Hub, ISNR 2024 is providing the leading platform in the region for collaboration and innovation on digital asset protection and infrastructure security.

The dynamic Interpol Policing Hub continued to bring together experts from different police forces from around the world at ISNR 2024. The new feature saw wide participation over the day serving as a focal point for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation in global law enforcement. Over the first two days of the event visitors from various departments have engaged in informative sessions, interactive demonstrations and networking opportunities with leading law enforcement professionals from around the world.

The Delegation and Networking area at ISNR Abu Dhabi 2024 draw large crowds of unite the foremost minds in homeland security, cybersecurity, policing, and law enforcement. Representatives from the Abu Dhabi Police and Cyber Security Council were present, highlighting the profound government presence that ISNR 2024. This dedicated area will feature a worldwide network of experts, encompassing government officials, policymakers, and industry leaders, to cultivate collaborations that enhance security measures globally.

Abu Dhabi, 21 May 2024: Under the patronage of Lt. General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, day one of the International Exhibition for National Security & Resilience (ISNR) has concluded at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

Organized by the ADNEC Group in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, and in strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Police and academic partnership with Rabdan Academy, this year’s exhibition is held under the theme of “Accelerating Transformation in National Security Ecosystem”. Visitors on day one of ISNR Abu Dhabi 2024 witnessed innovative technologies and insightful discussions at eight features in addition to the Take Down live demonstration in the opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony consisted of a live presentation named “The Take Down”, presented by the Ministry of Interior. This performance included a detailed security scenario, demonstrating the UAE's efforts, under its wise leadership, to enhance security, community prevention, and civil protection. The presentation, carried out by specialised police teams and sectors from the Ministry of Interior, the Abu Dhabi Police GHQ, and partners from relevant authorities, depicted an international coordination process to seize a drug gang. The scenario highlighted the expertise, capabilities, and professionalism of the UAE police, showcasing their adoption of the highest-level technologies and practices.

Additionally, the Ministry of Interior held a graduation ceremony of 54 members from the Ministry of Interior and the Abu Dhabi Police GHQ. These graduates consist of members of police stations, social support centres, and investigation departments, who have successfully completed a specialised program in child protection, qualifying them as specialists in this important field.

With diverse themes and sessions centred around innovation in the realms of national security and policing, the ISNR Conference offered a new forum for 650 decision makers to advance security innovation pathways. The inaugural ISNR conference, organized by the Ministry of Interior and Rabdan Academy, in cooperation with the ADNEC Group, had a productive first day within which participants discussed security innovation pathways to align with global transformations, refine national security concepts, and update security strategies and policies. As a prestigious platform for ideas and debate, the event hosted elite decision-makers and specialists to exchange their expertise and perspectives. The day's sessions covered a wide range of high-level topics, including strategic alliances in global stability, national security trends, the adoption of future strategies, evidence-based policing and police strategies, and measures to ensure sustainability in national security.

Of the eight features at ISNR 2024, six were new including the Tech Talks live podcast broadcast directly from the exhibition floor at ISNR featuring Darren Johnson, CEO of Capital Events who discussed the future of the business tourism industry. This unique podcast event will feature on-site episodes to actively engage industry leaders on social media platforms to discuss the latest advancements and trends in Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence and the homeland security ecosystem. Numerous experts within the sector, including representative of industry leaders such as Dell, HP, and Presight, will participate in this feature over the three-day exhibition.​

Organised by Capital Events, the new Emerging Enterprises feature enabled debuting enterprises to make a distinct mark on the exhibition floor by highlighting new innovations and products that cover many national security sectors.

The ISNR Startup Zone, powered by the Khalifa Fund and hosted by Capital Events, featured 15 startups demonstrating unique and imaginative new technology applications for visitors. With the featured startups covering a wide range of critical national security priorities, the new Zone showcased innovative designs for visitors while also ensuring exposure of creative new ideas to industry leaders and private and public entities.

With the rise of new threats within cyber space and through AI, the first Cyber Security Council at ISNR demonstrated Abu Dhabi's reputation as the safest city in the world through the introduction of the Cyber Security Hub. Supported by Presight, the renowned cyber arm of G42 company, the new hub was run by Capital Events with an emphasis on education and successful case studies to reflect the growing importance of cyber security awareness.

The Interpol Policing Hub gathered expertise and resources of different police forces from around the world. The Hub served as a focal point for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation in global law enforcement. Attendees were able to engage in sessions, interactive demonstrations, and networking opportunities with leading law enforcement professionals from around the world.​

ISNR Talks has returned to the edition, explore cutting-edge topics through a dynamic agenda of panel discussions and Q&A sessions to provide unique insights and perspectives. On day one of ISNR Talks, the AI Forum began with a keynote speech by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Government's Cybersecurity Council, who discussed the UAE's efforts in the field of cybersecurity and aligning to the UAE's vision to become a leading country in adopting artificial intelligence by 2071. The Cybersecurity Council uses artificial intelligence to identify cybersecurity attacks that threaten the country, with ISNR a leading platform for communicating and transforming ideas into innovative products.

A panel discussion entitled “The Future of Threat Management – artificial Intelligence and Smart Technologies”, featured Martin Yates, Senior Advisor for Government Technology at Presight and Hadi Anwar, Chief Cybersecurity Officer at Core42 and moderated by Mohamed Akkad, Vice President of Technology at Positive Infosec. Dr. Ibrahim Al Alkim Al Zaabi, Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence Expert at the Government of Abu Dhabi, gave a presentation entitled "Commitment to the Ethics of Safe Use of Artificial Intelligence", which focussed on the rise of artificial intelligence in our society. Dr. Ibrahim Al Alkim Al Zaabi stressed the importance of making the right ethical decisions when taking into account data privacy, and that many important questions still need to be answered regarding AI.

The return of the Delegation and Networking area at ISNR Abu Dhabi 2024 united the foremost minds in homeland security, cybersecurity, policing, and law enforcement. This dedicated area featured a worldwide network of experts, encompassing government officials, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss collaborations that enhance security measures globally.

ISNR 2024 will continue until 23 May, featuring a wide range of technologies in the fields of digital forensics, combating malware and spam and viruses, human factors, governance, compliance, business continuation, response to accidents, identity and access management, application security, Internet of Things (IoT) security and cloud security.