* 71 companies from 17 countries and 72 local firms to attend
Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Milipol Qatar 2021 will begin at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre Monday with the participation of 143 local and international exhibiting companies.
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, until March 17.
The Milipol Qatar Exhibition Committee held a press conference at the Officers' Club Hall, General Directorate of Civil Defence, Saturday to announce the details of the exhibition.
Milipol Qatar chairman Major-General Nasser bin Fahd al-Thani told the press conference that all arrangements have been completed for the leading international event in the field of homeland security and civil defence.
The three-day event is being organised by the Ministry of Interior (MoI) in co-operation with France-based international event organiser Comexposium. It is held every two years.
Major-General al-Thani said the 13th edition of the exhibition features 71 international companies from 17 countries along with 72 local companies, adding that new entities account for 53% of the total participants.
Milipol Qatar 2021 will also host five international pavilions representing Brazil, France, Germany, the UK and the US, in addition to individual international companies that will cater to a wide range of regional requirements.
The official stressed that Milipol Qatar 2021, which is expected to witness a "great turnout", will take into account all the precautionary and preventive protocols of the Ministry of Public Health to curb the spread of Covid-19.
He said this year's edition of Milipol Qatar will provide businesspersons and investors with a comprehensive idea about the future of the internal security and civil defence sectors after the pandemic. In addition, it will create an opportunity for them to be introduced to new international partners for importing and developing technologies and systems that will enhance the preparedness of these sectors in the future.
Considering that it is a leading destination for major sports events, Qatar seeks to benefit from the latest technological systems to enhance the safety and security of huge international events, such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he noted.
In terms of its response to the current challenges, Major-General al-Thani 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. The exhibition allows countries and entities to explore the latest innovations and products in the world related to civil defence and internal security, and opens the door for many deals, he added.
Milipol Events director Marie Lagrenee expressed pleasure in organising the exhibition despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
She affirmed that Milipol Qatar has strengthened its position in the security market by being one of the most important platforms for business at the level of international industries since the Covid-19 outbreak. Milipol Qatar is already strengthening its presence as a serious business generation platform as it focuses on the industry, she noted.
“Visitors, buyers and official delegations will be looking to source new partnerships and secure emerging business opportunities," she said, adding that the event will be a platform that strengthens the co-operation between Qatar and participating countries.
Lagrenee praised Qatar's role and its ability to provide a safe environment for its citizens, residents, tourists and visitors alike. She indicated that Milipol Qatar is in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, for a diversified knowledge-based economy and to create a society of peace, security and prosperity.
She noted the participation of Barzan Holdings, Strategic Sponsor of Milipol Qatar 2021 and a major Qatari entity participating in the exhibition.
Further, she said the expo's international reputation enabled it to attract a range of exhibitors from 17 countries from different regions around the world, including the UK, Scandinavia and other parts of Europe, the eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, Far East and the Indian subcontinent, which showcase a wide range of equipment, systems, products and provide consultations for the internal security and civil defence sector.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, specialised seminars will be held on cyber security, cyber threats, civil defence and security management for large events, with the participation of prominent specialists and experts in these fields.
Major-General al-Thani thanked the sponsors of Milipol Qatar 2021, who are "contributors to the success of this exhibition". They include Barzan Holdings, Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co, Eshhar Security Services, Ooredoo, Outbox, Al Hazm, Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana, Huawei, Stark Motors, Jaidah Group, Notification, MSC Qatar, Dell Technologies, Mannai Corporation, Salam Technology, Nuctech, Qommunication, Milaha and Qatar Airways. (With inputs from QNA)