North Africa Commits to Homeland Security, with Defense Spending Growing to USD 31 Billion by 2020

North Africa’s strong defense spending will reach USD 31 billion by 2020, emphasizing the commitment to regional security and national resilience, industry experts announced today at ISNR 2016.

Demonstrating the strong business opportunities, defense spending by the five North African countries will increase by double digits over the next five years, when it will represent more than half of the total African market, according to research firm IHS. 

In particular, Egypt’s defense spending will grow by 12-18 percent per year by 2020, supporting security and critical national infrastructure projects, according to IHS.

Across 20,000 square meters of net indoor exhibition space, ISNR 2016 is hosting five exhibitions, two conferences and over 60 seminars, and dozens of live events, simulations, workshops, and new solution launches. Organizers expect 20,000 attendees from over 90 countries, and 530 exhibitors from 57 countries.

Organizers are seeing strong interest from North African exhibitors, buyers, and visitors, with confirmed buyers including the Egyptian Ministry of Defence and representatives from the Moroccan Ministry of Interior.

The seventh edition of ISNR is held under the theme of “Connecting Governments, Society, and Business, Through Innovation, Leadership, and Excellence to Build Safer Communities and Ensure a More Resilient World.” 

In 2014, ISNR drove over USD 300 million in deals and partnerships. Continuing the momentum, the ISNR 2016 Business Connect team is set to arrange more than 3,000 meetings between government and private sector buyers, and exhibiting companies, a 60 percent growth over 2014, and host 200 representatives from government buyers and delegations from over 20 countries.

Among more than 100 show features, ISNR 2016 is launching Infosecurity Middle East, the regional version of Europe’s leading security exhibition, the first-ever Infosecurity and Cyber Security workshops in partnership with ISC2, a global leader in cyber education, and the 7th International Conference on Cybercrimes.

The first Emergency Response and Disaster Prevention (EmDi) includes an industry first with the UAE 911 World Firefighter Challenge to test firefighting and rescue skills, and the return of the Fire Fighting Middle East (FFME) exhibition.

Co-located Occupational Health and Safety Middle East (OSHME) returns with a dedicated conference and workshops on compliance and building safer workplaces. Attendees can also gain official accreditation from the Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHAD).

Additional new show highlights include the Innovation Podium, with free seminars, case studies, and presentations on counter-terrorism, crisis management, and safer communities. The new Future of Policing pavilion is showcasing the latest law enforcement solutions in connected police, robots and drones, and crowd control.

Supporting the UAE’s homeland security and national resilience, the inaugural UAE Ministry of Interior Excellence Awards will recognize students’ innovations, over 30 small- and medium-sized enterprises are joining forces in the UAE SME Pavilion.

At the Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, 15 March 2016, visitors experienced an engaging live event on emergency preparedness and disaster prevention.

ISNR 2016 is held from 15-17 March 2016 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Organized by the UAE Ministry of Interior and Reed Exhibitions, the event is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor, and Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.