ISNR (International Security & National Resilience) will cover the entire range of homeland security issues including intelligence and threat assessment, border and transport security, counter terrorism, critical infrastructure protection, crisis management and resilience, and emergency preparedness and response.

"ISNR Abu Dhabi is a unique event addressing the growing need in the region for sophisticated equipment to counter international terrorism, to protect national borders and to build enough resilience to respond to disasters, whether natural or the result of terrorist action", says Frederic Theux, president of Reed exhibitions Middle East.

"The event provides an ideal business environment for companies with high technology security products and services as they have the unique opportunity to communicate and interact with senior government procurement personnel who are engaged in all aspects of security, homeland defense and preparedness", he adds.

Theux also stated that ISNR will incorporate the former Security and Safety Middle East, Info security and APTS (Airport, Port & Transport Security) Middle East exhibitions, in response to requests by exhibitors to streamline the region's security events calendar.

Brigadier Matar Salem Bin Mosaie'd Al Nayadi, chairman of the ISNR Abu Dhabi organizing committee says "The UAE ministry of interior is pleased to support ISNR Abu Dhabi. The Middle East is spending significantly to bolster its defenses to combat emergency situations and terrorist threats and we expect top government officials in the region to participate in the event".

The managing director of Abu Dhabi national exhibitions & conference Centre (ADNEC) says "I am delighted that Reed exhibitions, one of ADNEC valued foundation partners, has chosen to stage International Security & National Resilience (ISNR) at the new Abu Dhabi national exhibition centre. It is Abu national exhibitions centre strategy to provide the world's most modern facilities for high quality events and then allow the world's top event organizers to manage the shows. ISNR is yet another example this strategy being put into practice".

According to a study commissioned by Reed exhibition, the Middle East's security market is estimated to be valued at $2.1 billion in 2008 and slated to grow 50 percent by 2013 to $3.24 billion, a significant increase from 1998 when security spending in the region was just over $ 800 million.

Reflecting the increased security threats confronting businesses worldwide, private sector companies spent $46.6 billion on security in 2005, with US corporations alone spending $ 25.1 billion, more than 50 percent of the total. European businesses spent $9.32 billion (20 percent), Australia and Canada spent $1.3 billion each (3 percent).

Electronic surveillance has emerged as the fastest growing sector of the security market registering a growth rate of over 10 percent. In 2005, costs related to security staff and guard services typically made up 50 percent of security budgets representing a drop of 14 percent since 2003. The fall in spending on manned security services is expected to continue.

Rear Admiral John Tolhurst, chairman of Reed exhibitions aerospace & defence Board, says: "Abu Dhabi was a natural choice for the first edition of ISNR because the safety and security industry is booming throughout the Middle East as the region deals with a wide variety of concerns ranging from border control and private citizen safety to transaction fraud".

Quoting the example of a willingness among Gulf states to embrace biometric technology and passports, Rear Admiral Tolhurst stated that there was a fast-growing awareness in the region on the need for up-to-date commercial and personal security and safety systems. "Agencies are continuously developing new plans to improve security around sensitive installations, for key officials and for populations, together with the capability to respond effectively and resiliently after attacks or natural disasters", he says.

Besides the exhibition, ISNR Abu Dhabi will also consist of a high-level conference and workshops by companies that specialize in high-end security technology, systems and services. ISNR Abu Dhabi is the second leg in the ISNR series and follows ISNR London which will be held 4-5 December 2007 at the National Hall, Olympia, and London.