A number of international, regional and local firms and institutions, specialising in key areas of the homeland security will participate in the Qatar Milipol 2016 starting at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) on Monday.

The 3-day event, under the patronage of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will be formally inaugurated by HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani. This is the 11th edition of the Milipol, which was held for the first time in 1996.
'No less than 230 exhibitors from 35 countries have confirmed their participation in this year's event, which is being held for the first time at the DECC," Milipol Qatar chairman Brigadier Sheikh Nasser bin Fahad al-Thani told a press conference on Sunday.
As many as eight new countries namely Algeria, Belize, Cyprus, Jordan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Pakistan, and Uganda are making their debut at the exhibition, he said while adding the expo would be held over 7700sqm of space at the DECC.
“We are returning with renewed vigour and new features to further drive growth and innovation in the industry. It will also encourage collaboration and the sharing of knowledge amongst international peers,” the official explained.
“As I express my deepest gratitude to HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al-Thani and the Ministry of Interior for their patronage of the event, I am also sincerely thanking all the participants and sponsors from Qatar for their remarkable support. This year the event will feature new seminars and an enhanced international presence with representatives from eight more countries participating," he said.
“The latest edition marks 20 years since Qatar hosted the first edition of the event. We are happy that a number of new participants have come for the expo,” said Milipol Qatar & France exhibition director Muriel Kafantaris.
The Qatar contingent represents a large section at the exhibition with 47 local firms confirming their presence. As many as 27 from France are participating. Other international pavilions to be present are China, Germany, North America and the UK.
A new addition this year is a dedicated zone for the Civil Defence. The introduction will see 17 global and regional exhibitors showcasing products and developments within the sector. Qatar's Ministry of Interior stand will be one of the main attractions.
The press conference was also attended by Ministry of Interior's Financial Affairs director and Milipol Committee member Brigadier Ahmad Abdulla Ahmad, General Directorate of Logistics assistant director general Brigadier Saud Rashid al-Shafi, Milipol Qatar Committee member Major Hussain Aman al-Ali and Comexposium Security's security department director Michael Weatherseed.
The exhibition will be held between 10am and 6pm on all three days.
The event's main official sponsor is Adbullah Abdulghani &Bros. Co, while the diamond sponsors are Qatar Petroleum, Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co and Qatar Diar.
The platinum sponsor is Qatar Tourism Authority, the silver sponsors include Qatar Rail, Ineo Homeland Security, and Nafco, and the bronze sponsor is Nexter.