Doha: Under the auspices of HE Minister of Interior, Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), and Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Police Academy Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the 14th Conference of Heads of Arab Security Training and Rehabilitation Institutions kicked off in Doha on Wednesday. Hosted by the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Police Academy, the two-day conference is drawing broad participation from representatives of the ministries of interior in the Arab countries, alongside representatives of relevant regional and global organizations and institutions.
According to Qatar News Agency, these organizations include the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), United Nations Human Rights Training and Documentation Centre for South-West Asia and the Arab Region, Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions (ANNHRI), International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ), Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS), and the Arab Interior Ministers’ Council-General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers. The opening ceremony was attended by HE Legal Advisor to HE the Minister of Interior and General Supervisor of the Police Academy Major General Dr. Abdullah Yousef Al Mal, HE Secretary-General of the Arab Interior Ministers Council Dr. Mohammad Ali Kuman, and President of the Police Academy and Chairman of the conference Brig. Gen. Abdul Rahman Majid Al Sulaiti.
Addressing the conference, Dr. Al Mal expressed pride in hosting the event, highlighting the participation of leaders and experts from across the Arab world, alongside international partners, to exchange expertise and bolster collaboration in training and capacity-building, which are essential for security and stability. He emphasized the complexity of contemporary security challenges and the necessity of continuous training to help security personnel keep up with developments and tackle risks using advanced techniques. Dr. Al Mal underscored the importance of investing in highly qualified security personnel, as it directly contributes to community security and stability.
Under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Qatar prioritizes the advancement of education and security training systems, believing that enduring security starts with a well-prepared human element. Dr. Al Mal noted the Police Academy’s success in combining academic education with practical training, utilizing the latest virtual training technologies to enhance decision-making skills while safeguarding security and human rights. He also highlighted the partnership with NAUSS, which has led to advanced training programs and promoted knowledge-based security and integration among Arab nations.
Dr. Al Mal pointed out the impact of the digital revolution on Arab security and educational institutions, necessitating the adoption of smart training and integrated security education, as well as the use of artificial intelligence to enhance security personnel’s capabilities. Qatar supports the efforts of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers to establish a unified Arab system for security training and rehabilitation, fostering collaboration and expertise sharing among Arab institutions.
Ali Kuman affirmed the importance of the conference in Doha, highlighting Qatar’s commitment to enhancing Arab security capabilities. He praised Qatar’s initiative to offer annual scholarships at the Police Academy in honor of the late HRH Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, reflecting a dedication to high-level training and professional excellence. Kuman emphasized that the conference and the field visit to the academy offer a valuable opportunity to witness its outstanding scientific programs and strengthen Arab cooperation in security training and rehabilitation.
On its first day, the conference addressed critical topics such as advancing the technological skills of police and security personnel to combat cybercrimes and developing model plans for security training in crisis management. The Police Academy presented its award-winning Virtual Security Operations Center (vSOC), recognized for its pioneering role in security exercises and operational readiness. The vSOC’s innovative approach in security simulations and solutions highlights its contribution to national security integration and response systems.