On 4 February 2026, the UAE Ministry of Defence concluded the fourth edition of the Military Police Exhibition for Combating Drugs and Cybercrime 2026, held at Zayed Military City, Al Reef Shooting Range in Sweihan, Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The event was held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National Anti-Narcotics Council, and coincided with the national initiative “Year of the Family”, reflecting the exhibition’s focus on community awareness and youth protection against contemporary security threats.
Strong Public Turnout and Broad Engagement
Over nine days, the exhibition attracted strong attendance and wide interaction from visitors of all age groups, including civilians, military personnel, and school and university students. The programme featured a comprehensive series of interactive workshops, awareness lectures, and educational sessions addressing drug prevention and the growing challenges of cybercrime. These activities aimed to strengthen community responsibility and reinforce family and youth resilience against emerging risks.
Advanced Security and Technological Messages
Brigadier General Staff Mohammed Salem Al Ketbi, Commander of the Military Police, emphasised that the exhibition represents a practical embodiment of the Ministry of Defence’s efforts—alongside its security partners—to counter narcotics and digital threats. He noted that rapid technological advancement has enabled criminal organisations to exploit tools such as deepfakes, hacking, and cyber extortion to target individuals and access sensitive information, stressing that public awareness remains the first line of defence in safeguarding society.
Cybersecurity at the Forefront
H.E. Dr Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, highlighted the country’s global leadership in cybersecurity indicators. He underlined that digital threats now extend beyond conventional cybercrime to include cyber warfare, electronic terrorism, and AI-enabled fraud and falsification.
Broad National Institutional Participation
The exhibition witnessed active participation from a wide range of federal and local entities, including the Ministry of Interior, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah Police General Commands; the Cybersecurity Council; the Ministry of Health and Prevention; the National Rehabilitation Centre; Erada Centre; the Ministries of Community Empowerment and Education; and the Federal Ambulance Authority and Civil Defence.
These contributions were complemented by specialised initiatives and panel discussions focused on preventive awareness and the promotion of a safe and responsible digital culture.
A National Platform for Awareness and Community Protection
The exhibition was inaugurated by H.E. Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, who toured the venue and reviewed the platforms of participating entities. He received briefings on the latest technologies used in narcotics detection, as well as methods to counter cyberattacks and AI-enabled falsification.
The opening ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity; Major General Staff Saleh Mohammed bin Mujren Al Ameri, Commander of the National Guard; Major General Staff Obaid Saif Al Ketbi, Head of the Military Judiciary; Brigadier General Staff Mohammed Salem Al Ketbi, Commander of the Military Police; alongside senior military and security leaders and specialists.
High-Level Visits Underscore the Event’s Significance
Throughout its duration, the exhibition received visits from several senior officials and military and civilian leaders, reaffirming the importance of its national message. Among them were Major General Staff Saeed Ali Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary for Resources and Support Services at the Ministry of Defence; Major General Staff Humaid Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Commander of the Naval Forces; Major General Staff Issa Rashid Al Muhairi, Head of the National and Reserve Service Authority; H.E. Dr Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth; and Major General Staff Dr Aisha Sultan Al Dhaheri, Head of the Executive Directorate of Military Health at the Ministry of Defence.
The final day was attended by Major General Staff Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, who toured the exhibition to review the outcomes of its awareness initiatives and interactive workshops.
Tangible Awareness Outcomes and Lasting Impact
In his closing remarks, Brigadier General Staff Mohammed Salem Al Ketbi affirmed that the fourth edition successfully achieved its objectives by reaching targeted audiences and delivering advanced simulation models that exposed the realities of deepfake manipulation and cyber extortion. He added that specialised family-focused workshops and realistic awareness films were met with strong public engagement, effectively simplifying complex security concepts and transforming them into impactful messages.
A National Vision for a Safer Society
The Military Police Exhibition forms part of a broader national vision aimed at consolidating community security, enhancing proactive prevention, and building an informed society capable of confronting health and digital threats. This approach aligns with the UAE’s standing among the world’s leading nations in safety and security indicators, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable societal protection.
Coverage: Razi Izzeddin Elhadmi – Photography: Badr Mohammed Khorowa
