Dubai: Dubai will host the 87th International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) General Assembly 2018, between November 18 to 21.

Held for the first time in the UAE, the Interpol General Assembly will bring together officials of public security departments and global experts to discuss vital safety and security issues. Delegates will identify the most important challenges, explore the future role of technology and artificial intelligence in the fight against terrorism and organised crime, and discuss enhancing cooperation to make the world a safer place.

Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Merri, Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police, said: “Guided by the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the instructions of Lt-Gen Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Dubai Police is honoured to host the 87th Interpol General Assembly in Dubai.”

Al Merri said that Dubai Police is keen to host international events such as the Interpol General Assembly, that bring together police leaders and security experts from across the world to discuss security challenges and unite global efforts to combat transnational organised crime.

“We are delighted to welcome all the Interpol General Assembly delegates to Dubai. The international cooperation we have established to support Interpol objectives is a key element of our security strategy and our contributions to making the world a safer place,” Dubai Police’s Commander-in-Chief said.

Platinum award for Dubai Police

The Dubai Police head noted that with the rapid development of knowledge, science and technology, the security landscape was evolving rapidly and becoming more complex and globalised. In line with the UAE Centennial Plan 2071 launched by Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid, the force is implementing AI technologies across its services. Dubai Police’s Artificial Intelligence Strategic Plan seeks to anticipate future challenges, potential threats and crime trends.

Maj-Gen Al Merri further said that the department has been an active member of Interpol. “For the past few years, we have worked closely with local, regional and international police forces on various initiatives ranging from capacity building to drug seizure and prevention of crimes.”

Dubai Police, he said, has developed itself into one of the world’s best law enforcement organisations, gaining a high reputation in combating organised crime both regionally and globally.

He noted that the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) recently awarded Dubai Police the Platinum award for its outstanding work, making it the first police force in the world to receive the prestigious recognition.