Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
In a significant milestone for regional and global security collaboration, the United Arab Emirates, represented by its Ministry of Interior, has officially joined the INTERPOL Global Congress on Chemical Security and Emerging Threats Steering Committee. With this move, the UAE becomes the first GCC country to hold a seat on the high-level advisory body, reinforcing its leadership role in advancing international efforts to combat chemical threats.
The announcement came as INTERPOL welcomed the UAE as a new member of its Steering Committee during a two-day meeting hosted in Abu Dhabi by the Ministry of Interior. The event brought together senior international representatives, security officials, and experts to enhance cooperation on chemical threat prevention and response mechanisms worldwide.
Established in 2022, the Steering Committee serves as a multi-sector, multinational platform that guides the strategic priorities and initiatives of the Global Congress. It operates in partnership with more than 2,000 global experts, working to strengthen nations’ capabilities to detect, prevent, and respond to chemical terrorism.
The meeting opened with a warm welcome to global delegates by Brigadier Saeed Abdullah Al Suwaidi, Assistant Undersecretary for Security Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Interior. He highlighted that the UAE’s hosting of this international event reflects its unwavering commitment to supporting joint efforts that enhance global safety, stability, and preparedness against emerging security threats.
The two-day sessions featured wide-ranging discussions on improving international collaboration, implementing advanced detection technologies, and addressing challenges faced by countries with limited resources. Delegates reviewed the outcomes of the 2025 Global Congress Plenary Meeting, planned future exercises—including a multi-sector simulation in Brazil—and explored new methods to safeguard the chemical industry from malicious exploitation.
Experts also discussed the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into global chemical security frameworks—covering preventive, preparedness, and rapid-response applications—while identifying strategies to mitigate risks such as cyberattacks targeting chemical infrastructure.
The Steering Committee currently includes 19 INTERPOL member countries, four international organizations, and other key partners, all focused on strengthening the global security architecture. The Global Congress itself, established in 2018 and co-led by INTERPOL, Global Affairs Canada, and the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), plays a central role in promoting knowledge-sharing and operational coordination among nations.
By joining this elite body, the UAE reinforces its growing reputation as a proactive contributor to global peace and stability. The move underscores the country’s long-term strategy to lead international cooperation in tackling evolving security threats—anchored in innovation, collaboration, and shared global responsibility.
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