Doha, 14 March 2021 (QT)

By Ashraf Siddiqui

Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Milipol Qatar will begin at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) on Monday. A total of 143 companies, including 72 from Qatar, will take part in the exhibition.

Organised by the Ministry of Interior (MoI) in cooperation with Paris-based international event organiser Comexposium, the international event for homeland security and civil defence is one of the first in the region this year to focus on homeland security and civil defence. The event, which takes place every two years, is being held with organisers taking all precautionary measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

The expo, which represents a link between global manufacturers, users, and security and safety experts, will showcase the latest products and innovations dedicated to homeland security and public safety in the Middle East region.

Chairman of the Milipol Qatar Committee Major General Nasser bin Fahd Al Thani on Saturday told a press conference that the current edition has succeeded in attracting a wide range of exhibitors despite the challenges of the current health crisis in the world. A total of 143 companies, including 71 international companies from 17 countries along with 72 local companies, will attend the event, he said, adding that the percentage of new entities in the current edition reached 53.

Milipol Qatar 2021 will host five international pavilions representing Brazil, France, Germany, the UK and the US, in addition to individual international companies.

In terms of its response to the current challenges, he stressed that this international event meets a large part of the growing security needs of Qatar in line with its national vision 2030, in addition to its role in providing the wider regional needs. He said that the exhibition allows countries and entities to explore the latest innovations and products in the world related to civil defense and internal security, and it opens the door for many deals.

As one of the leading destinations for mega sporting events, Qatar seeks to take advantage of the latest technical systems to enhance the safety and security of huge international events, such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he said.

He said the exhibition contributes to providing businessmen and investors with a comprehensive idea about the future of the internal security and civil defence sectors in the post-COVID-19 time, and allows communication with new international partners to supply and develop technologies and systems that will enhance
the readiness of these sectors in the future.

On the health measures, he stressed that the Milipol Qatar 2021, which is expected to witness a large turnout, will take into account all the procedures and protocols of the Ministry of Public Health to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Milipol Events Director Marie Lagrenee affirmed that Milipol Qatar has strengthened its position in the security market as one of the most important platforms for business at the level of international industries. Milipol Qatar is alreadystrengthening its presence as a serious business generation platform as it focuses on the industry, she added.

Lagrenee said the expo’s international reputation enabled it to attract a range of exhibitors from 17 countries from all regions and continents of the world, from Scandinavia, Europe, the UK, the eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East, the Far East and the Indian subcontinent, that showcase a wide range of equipment, systems, products and provide consultations for the internal security and civil defence sector.

The expo has strong support at the local level, she said, noting the participation of Barzan Holdings, the strategic partner of Milipol Qatar 2021, which is at the top of the list of Qatari entities participating in the exhibition.

Lagrenee praised the role of Qatar and its ability to provide a safe environment for its citizens, residents, tourists and visitors alike, adding that this exhibition contributes to strengthening its strategies in this regard. On the sidelines of the exhibition, three specialised seminars will be held on cyber security and cyberthreats, civil defence and the large events security management, with the participation of a group of the most prominent specialists and experts in the three fields