Spending on homeland security is set to double in the UAE from Dh20 billion to Dh40 billion ($10.9 billion)in the next 10 years, according to a recent study by Homeland Security Research Corporation (HSRC).

Gulf States are serious about their homeland security concerns and as such are making modernisation of security equipment and technology a priority, said the study.

Saudi Arabia, a long time customer of western countries such as the US, UK and Europe, according to a source from the Russian Defence Industry, is diversifying its source of security equipment with works nearly complete on a Dh7.34 billion ($2 billion) deal with Russia on the delivery of Russian arms and military technology to the Kingdom.

Intersec trade fair and conference, which will take place from January 17 to 19 in Dubai, is the region’s meeting point for experts with insights into the latest technologies and best practices within the industry.

Elisabeth Brehl, managing director of Epoc Messe Frankfurt GmbH, organisers of the trade fair said, “Homeland security concerns are a major priority and something authorities the world over are investing in. Intersec 2010 brings together industry experts under one roof to discuss these and other hot topics in the sector.”

“In 2009, over 700 international exhibitors from 50 countries participated in Intersec. More than 90 per cent of these stated that their participation was very successful with 93 per cent having established promising sales leads. We expect these trends to continue for Intersec 2010,” she added.

Intersec Conference 2010 entitled: Dealing with Disaster: Readiness: Response: Recovery is divided into three main sections to complement the trade fair. The conference will begin with discussions on Homeland Security and Policing with a welcome address by Major General Dr Mohammed bin Fahed, director general, Dubai Police Academy.

During the two day conference industry experts will present on various pertinent topics including: 'A Topical Overview of Global Security and Counter Terrorism Measures', by Colonel Stephen Thomas CBE, International Security Consultant and 'Border Controls, Maritime Security & Planned Investment', by Critical National Infrastructure Authority – Abu Dhabi.

The report issued by the US-based HSRC entitled 'Global Homeland Security, Homeland Defence and Intelligence Markets Outlook 2009-2018' stated that government and private sector budgets for Homeland Security, Homeland Defence and Counter Terror Intelligence (HLS-HLD) will beat the recession and grow by 80 per cent from Dh1.5 trillion in 2009 to Dh2.7 trillion by 2018.

The report states that several countries including China, India, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Turkey, are expected to double their national security spending over the next 10 years. Saudi Arabia, whose current spending on national security is Dh167 billion, is poised to increase it to nearly Dh308 billion.

HSRC is a multi-disciplinary team of industry specialists representing expertise in the fields of homeland security engineering, intelligence, high-tech market analysis, airport security, and homeland security technologies' research and development.

Intersec 2010 is supported by the UAE Civil Defence, Dubai Police, Dubai Police Academy, the Security Industry Association and the Ministry of Homeland Affairs, Singapore.-TradeArabia News Service