The event highlights AI-driven security, surveillance systems, and emergency preparedness solutions.
Under the patronage of Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ninth and largest-ever edition of the International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience (ISNR 2026) officially opened on Tuesday, May 19 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, and will run until May 21.
The exhibition brings together global security organisations, government entities, industry leaders, and technology innovators to address evolving priorities in the national security sector. It features eight key sectors, including security and safety, firefighting, cybersecurity, student innovations, and advanced emergency operations technologies.
Held this year under the theme “Striving Today to Secure Tomorrow,” the event is organised by ADNEC Group, a subsidiary of Modon Properties, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and in strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Police.
ISNR 2026 is recognised as the Middle East and North Africa’s leading platform dedicated to national security, bringing together senior national and cybersecurity officials, global buyers, and public- and private-sector stakeholders across the security supply chain.
The exhibition covers eight key sectors, including national security, cybersecurity, trade and business protection, personal safety and protection, firefighting and safety, policing and law enforcement, critical infrastructure protection, artificial intelligence, and surveillance technologies.
The 2026 edition has seen significant growth in both scale and participation, featuring 253 exhibitors—an increase of 19% compared to the 2024 edition. The exhibition space has also expanded to 28,000 square metres, reflecting a 17% rise from the previous event.
Emirati companies make up 60% of the exhibitors, while international participants account for 40%. Small and medium-sized enterprises represent 20% of the total. The event has attracted participants from 37 countries, a 6% increase over the previous edition, including nine countries participating for the first time.
The event has attracted major local and international companies from the security sector, showcasing the latest innovations in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, surveillance technologies, emergency response systems, and critical infrastructure protection solutions.
The first day saw strong attendance from specialists, experts, visitors, officials, and participating entities, underscoring the event’s growing regional and global significance and its role in enhancing readiness in security and safety through advanced AI technologies, smart policing systems, and cybersecurity solutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Saeed Al Mansoori, Director of Security and Defence Exhibitions, said the event serves as a specialised global platform that brings together stakeholders across the security ecosystem, along with experts, innovators, and policymakers, to discuss the future of national security and risk mitigation.
He added that the 2026 edition is the largest in the exhibition’s history, featuring 253 companies from 37 countries, including nine first-time participating countries. He also noted that Emirati companies make up 60% of exhibitors, reflecting the UAE’s strong focus on security innovation.
Al Mansoori added that the exhibition features a comprehensive programme of sessions and workshops involving leading international experts and specialists.
He noted that the Abu Dhabi Global Forum for Sustainable Security is also being held alongside the exhibition, focusing on the future of security governance, innovation, and emergency preparedness systems.
This year’s edition also introduces new events, most notably the AI Security Forum. The exhibition reflects the rapid global shift in the concept of security, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence, digital security, critical infrastructure protection, and smart city solutions.
Emphasising smart technologies in the security sector, Khalifa Ibrahim Al Slais, CEO of the UAE-based Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA), said that technology has become a cornerstone of modern life and a key driver in developing vital sectors, particularly the security industry.
“Based on this vision, we have focused on leveraging the latest technological solutions and smart innovations to improve the efficiency of security operations and enhance readiness levels in line with the UAE’s goal of building an advanced and sustainable security ecosystem,” he said.
He added that Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) will launch the “Security Consultant System” during ISNR 2026—an AI-powered platform that provides specialised security consultations for individuals and private security companies. The system analyses images and data to identify risks and vulnerabilities, offering tailored recommendations on surveillance systems and appropriate security solutions for each site.
On smart technologies for emergency and crisis management, Khalifa Mohammed Al Kaabi, Head of Exercise Evaluation at the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Centre (ADCMC), said the centre’s participation in the event reflects its ongoing efforts to build a comprehensive preventive system based on innovation and high preparedness.
“We are showcasing a range of initiatives and smart technologies aimed at strengthening Abu Dhabi’s capabilities in handling various scenarios and ensuring the continuity of critical operations under all circumstances,” he said.
The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority has also a strong presence at ISNR 2026, showcasing its “Community Responder” programme. The initiative is designed to enhance public preparedness and safety awareness by training and qualifying volunteers to support operations, events, and emergency response efforts.
The initiative helps build an effective partnership between the community and specialised authorities by equipping volunteers with essential skills and knowledge in safety, first aid, and crowd management. It also strengthens a culture of volunteerism and social responsibility, while supporting the protection of lives and property.
ISNR 2026 has attracted wide international participation from specialised companies and institutions showcasing their latest innovations in security technologies, reinforcing its position as a leading global platform for expertise exchange and advanced safety solutions.
The event brings together key entities across eight major national security sectors, with participation from 253 local and international companies. It serves as a global forum for experts and specialists to enhance cooperation, share knowledge, and present cutting-edge innovations designed to address rapidly evolving security challenges and strengthen global resilience systems.
From K9 International, Abdulrahman Al Attas said the company is participating by showcasing training and operational services, including a newly developed police dog transport vehicle designed for canine units and operational teams. The vehicle is equipped with specialised facilities and climate control systems suitable for enclosed environments such as airports.
He added that the exhibition’s eight sectors—covering national security, cybersecurity, trade and business protection, personal security, firefighting and safety, policing, critical infrastructure protection, artificial intelligence, and surveillance technologies—reflect the strong global position of Abu Dhabi in advancing security systems and fostering innovation amid rapidly evolving regional and international challenges.
Omar Hafeh from STEERIA said the company is participating in the exhibition by showcasing several advanced defence technologies, most notably the AI-powered autonomous XRIFT vehicle, which is capable of overcoming various obstacles and can be adapted for defence and logistics missions.
He added that the ninth edition of the exhibition focuses on the latest developments in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, advanced surveillance technologies, and emergency management systems. It also highlights smart security solutions used across civil and commercial sectors, including healthcare, smart agriculture, logistics, and smart cities.
ISNR 2026 also plays a key role in strengthening cooperation among governments, strategic partners, and stakeholders by providing an interactive platform that brings together institutions and government entities. It contributes to the development of regional policies, the expansion of partnerships and procurement agreements, and the advancement of innovation within the security sector.
Hamad Al Shamsi, Chairman of UAE-based INKAS ARMORED, said the company showcased several defence vehicles, including the TITAN-V armoured personnel carrier, which can accommodate up to 10 passengers and features a surveillance turret designed for rugged desert environments, along with other high-specification vehicles.
He noted that ISNR 2026 is among the world’s leading events for presenting the latest innovations and advanced technologies in security and safety, offering participants a strong platform to enhance their presence in the sector by showcasing modern solutions and systems that meet the needs of institutions seeking advanced security capabilities.
He further highlighted the strong attendance of experts, specialists, and decision-makers from around the world, reflecting the exhibition’s growing global importance in the security and safety industry.
Al Shamsi added that the strong turnout enriched the event’s activities, improved interaction between exhibitors and visitors, and opened new opportunities for cooperation, knowledge exchange, and exploration of advanced technological solutions.
He described the exhibition as a leading global platform that brings together prominent local and international companies showcasing their latest innovations across multiple security fields, making it a key opportunity to present advanced solutions and smart technologies that enhance security and safety systems while keeping pace with rapid global changes shaping the sector.
In a reflection of the growing shift toward smart security and technological innovation, the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) showcased a strong presence at ISNR 2026 through an integrated platform highlighting pioneering initiatives and specialised services aimed at enhancing security systems and supporting innovation within the private security sector in Dubai and the wider UAE.
The participation underscores the agency’s role as the regulator and developer of the private security industry, leveraging innovative solutions and advanced services to improve efficiency, elevate service quality, and ensure the sustainable growth of this vital sector.
