Doha: Under the patronage of the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the 10th Milipol Qatar 2014, the international exhibition of internal state security systems, opens today at Doha Exhibition Centre.
The three-day expo, organised every two years alternately between Paris and Doha, is the only exhibition in the Middle East that displays latest products by international companies in the field of internal security.
Participating in the fair this year are 261 companies from 36 countries with an estimated increase of nearly 7 percent in the number of companies which attended in Milipol Qatar 2012.
The exhibition occupies an area of 6,055sqm, up 12 percent compared to 2012.
The Chairman of Milipol Qatar Committee, Brigadier Nasser bin Fahd Al Thani, told a press conference that the exhibition is one of the largest security expos which attracted major manufacturers of security devices and weapons.
He said it came as a result of efforts, cooperation and coordination between officials of interior ministries of Qatar and France.
Meanwhile, innovation and partnership are the main UK themes as British companies exhibit capabilities in the law enforcement and security sectors, include cyber security, reflecting the commitment that UK companies have to support the Qatari security and cyber sectors.
UK companies are looking for enhance opportunities in Qatar via industrial partnerships and joint ventures. The UK is keen to share experience in managing large sporting events, most recently the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
It also has extensive experience in cyber security and looks to work closely with Qatar in the sector. The UK team is led by Richard Paniguian, Head of UKTI’s Defence and Security Organisation (UKTI DSO), supported by Richard Freeman, Senior Police and Security Adviser, UKTI DSO who will lead trade opportunities for UK companies.
Senior representatives from College of Policing and National Offender Management Service will be on the UK pavilion to discuss the UK policing and offender management (prisons and community sentencing).
Stephen Phipson, Director of Industry Engagement at the Home Office, will review ties with Qatar’s Ministry of Interior.
Paniguian said: “Qatar is an important partner and we are continuing to deepen and strengthen our security relationships, including in the cyber sector where the UK has over the past five years gained extensive experience and knowledge. We welcome every opportunity to discuss challenges and issues faced by both our police forces and security sector.
“I am keen that UK companies look for partners in Qatar and the region so that we can continue to share knowledge, understanding and technology that can strengthen our ties”.
The UK companies include, Redtronic UK, Speedog Technology Ltd, De La Rue, BAE Systems, Cobham, Prometheus Medical Ltd, Avigilon, Quinsec, 360 vision Technology Ltd, A E Taylor, Airwave Solutions, ATG Access Ltd, e2v Technologies Plc, Fire Formed Plc, ISSEE Ltd, Northrop Grumman ISE, NSC, M Price Western Leather Company Ltd, DMS Protective Equipment, RepKnight Ltd, Restrata Ltd, SAS, Scanna Msc Ltd, TCH (UK), Dog Detectives.
The Peninsula
