Satyendra Pathak
Doha
Held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the 13th edition of international exhibition for homeland security and civil defence (Milipol Qatar 2021) was inaugurated by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) on Monday.
The PM made a tour of the exhibition area and was briefed on the pavilions as well as state-of-the-art devices and technologies related to enhancing safety and security, especially the security of stadiums and sports events. The PM also listened to an explanation about the latest equipment in security and civil defence fields.
Aimed at showcasing the latest innovative products and services related to homeland security and civil defence in the world, Milipol Qatar 2021 opened to a good number of visitors.
The PM witnessed the signing of an agreement between Qatar and France to establish a partnership in the areas of security for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The PM also witnessed the signing of a protocol between the Security Committee of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy and the Public Security Department of the Ministry of Interior of Italy in the fields of public order and security management of major sports events.
In a tweet, the PM said, "The Milipol Qatar exhibition opened with the participation of the pioneers of the industry of equipment and technologies for internal security and civil defence. This year’s edition derives its importance from the innovative solutions it provides to the challenges resulting from increase in cyberattacks, and it is an opportunity to exchange experiences between all countries, producers and security experts.”
Talking to Qatar Tribune on the sidelines of the exhibition, Milipol Events Director Marie Lagrenee said, "The exhibition has received a very good response from the visitors on the very first day. The participation of mega brands in this year’s edition shows that Milipol Qatar has strengthened its position in the security market since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
While the number of exhibitors this time is a bit less compared to the previous edition, Lagrenee said, the participation of many new international exhibitors shows how eager are global brands to enter the Qatari market.
"Around 150 exhibitors from 17 countries are participating in the exhibition this year, out of which 53 percent are new exhibitors. They present their most advanced homeland security and Civil Defence products, equipment and technologies,” she said.
Out of the total exhibiting companies, she said, as many as 75 exhibitors are from the international market.
"Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, mega-events security, and crisis management technologies are globally impacting the security industry and are leading to major investment in upgrades and new project development for homeland security and civil defence. Milipol Qatar 2021 highlights an expansive range of leading-edge defence, security, monitoring and protection solutions designed to protect societies,” Lagrenee said.
"This event meets a large part of the growing security needs of Qatar alone in line with the country’s National Vision 2030,” she said.
Organised by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior in partnership with Paris-based international event organiser Comexposium, the event allows the exhibitors to present their latest innovations and represent a real business opportunity.
According to a statement provided by the organisers, almost 16.5 percent of the exhibitors are from the Civil Defense sector.
While France has the biggest participation with almost 30 companies, prominent among other exhibiting countries is Belgium, Pakistan, Italy, Switzerland, Turkey, Denmark and Lithuania.
"Powerful associated knowledge-sharing programmes featuring dialogues, case studies and debates on the challenges and opportunities in homeland security in the region will be organised as part of the three-day exhibition,” Lagrenee said.