Abu dhabi: General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, visited the United Arab Emirates. The minister expressed pride in the strong relations between the leaderships and peoples of both countries, and the shared commitment of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, to advancing bilateral cooperation in the interests of both nations and peoples.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the minister reiterated the Kingdom of Bahrain's steadfast solidarity with the UAE and its full support for all legitimate measures undertaken to safeguard its sovereignty and protect its security and stability. He also commended the high level of security coordination and cooperation between the two countries and their joint efforts to reinforce regional stability and safeguard international peace and security.
On the opening day of the Abu Dhabi Global Summit for Sustainable Security 2026, held under the patronage of Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the UAE, and held alongside the International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience (ISNR 2026), the Minister of Interior delivered the summit's keynote opening address.
In his speech, the minister said it was an honour to speak at the inaugural edition of the summit, held at a time when security challenges are reshaping the international landscape across multiple fronts. He noted that the UAE has positioned itself as a model state that views security not merely as a set of procedures, but as a long-term civilisational and developmental project centred on people and stability.
The Minister said that the Arabian Gulf has become a pillar of global stability, with energy security, international trade, supply chains, and the global economy directly linked to the region's stability. He emphasised that any tension in the Gulf extends beyond the region to affect international markets and societies, underscoring that Gulf stability has become an international necessity for protecting collective security.
He highlighted the experiences of Bahrain and the UAE in building sustainable security in a highly complex region through strategic long-term vision based on moderation, the rule of law, investment in people, and integration between security and development. He added that both countries regard security as a shared responsibility involving institutions, legislation, society, and public awareness. The Minister stressed that real security is achieved through strong institutions that reinforce societal trust and support regional and international stability.
General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah described the Bahrain-UAE partnership as an extension of GCC cohesion and unity of destiny and integrated visions in addressing cross-border challenges. In this context, he stressed that enhanced cooperation has become a strategic imperative to counter crime at its source and contain threats before they undermine regional stability.
He noted that Gulf states have learned, through history and practical experience, that countries are not tested in times of stability, but during moments of pressure, when rapid decision-making, clarity of leadership, and public trust become decisive factors in maintaining order and preventing instability. He said that this has been the key to their success in confronting attempts to spread chaos.
The minister said that despite the complex conditions facing the region, Bahrain continues to adopt an approach based on wisdom and strengthened international cooperation in confronting threats in all their forms. He also reviewed Bahrain's experience in technology-driven governance and emergency management during periods of regional tension and conflict, noting that modern crisis management is no longer based on reaction alone, but on forecasting, proactive planning, data analysis, and institutional integration. He described Bahrain's experience, in terms of indicators and measurable outcomes, as a successful model in this field.
He said data has become a strategic resource no less important than traditional resources, and that the ability to transform information into rapid and accurate decisions has become one of the key tools in protecting states. In this context, he referred to Bahrain's government indicators monitoring platform as a central tool supporting performance-based governance through monitoring the performance of government entities in real time against strategic objectives and national plans, while supporting decision-making.
The minister also highlighted the role of the Bahrain Space Agency in utilising geospatial data and artificial intelligence technologies to support disaster forecasting, analyse environmental risks, and enhance the speed of national response. He also referred to the advanced use of drones and smart cameras in damage assessment, search and rescue operations, monitoring vital facilities, crowd management, safeguarding lives and property, and providing live information to decision-makers.
He said Bahrain is moving from a "reaction" approach to one based on "real-time situational awareness", describing it as a major shift in modern security concepts. He added that Bahrain has placed cybersecurity at the centre of its national security framework through strengthening the role of the National Cyber Security Centre, launching the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2025-2028, enhancing digital readiness, protecting critical infrastructure, and promoting cyber awareness across society and institutions.
The minister stressed that protecting data centres and establishing alternative systems alongside traditional infrastructure has become a decisive element in the broader security framework, particularly amid threats targeting the region and countries worldwide. He warned that cybercrime remains among the most significant cross-border threats due to its rapid spread and ability to simultaneously target critical systems, institutions, markets, and individuals.
He stressed that information security is no longer solely a technical matter concerning specialists, but has become the frontline defence for state sovereignty, societal stability, and confidence in economies, services, and daily life. He warned that delays in detecting cybercrime are no longer measured in hours, but in the scale of losses that can affect an entire country within minutes.
The minister said modern threats have become increasingly complex and dangerous, citing cross-border cybercrime, technology-enabled money laundering networks, and extremist groups exploiting artificial intelligence and media disinformation to destabilise societies and target state stability.
He said organised crime now moves at the speed of technology, requiring international cooperation to operate at the same pace or faster through pre-established joint operational mechanisms between countries. He stressed that such threats transcend geographical boundaries and cannot be addressed through unilateral action or isolated solutions.
The Minister noted that Bahrain's geographical nature contributes to the speed of field security response, while stressing that effectiveness in modern security concepts is not determined by the geographical size of states. He added that technology and artificial intelligence have transformed cyberspace into an open arena in which crime and organised media campaigns move instantly across borders without restrictions.
He stressed that this reality underscores the need for joint action and rapid coordination to confront such crimes, which impose a new rhythm on security and response concepts. He added that today's battle is no longer on the ground, but against time and awareness.
The Minister said the world requires stronger security partnerships, faster information exchange, and more flexible legal frameworks capable of keeping pace with digital crimes, cryptocurrencies, and complex cyber threats, particularly cross-border crimes. He also stressed the importance of integration between security and justice, noting that sustainable security cannot be achieved without effective justice, nor can justice be protected without professional security institutions.
He added that the relationship between security agencies, public prosecution authorities, the judiciary, and modern legislation has evolved into an integrated system for protecting the state, society, rights, and freedoms simultaneously.
The Minister stressed that despite technological advances, people remain at the centre of real security, noting that security extends beyond protecting borders and facilities to safeguarding dignity, livelihoods, opportunities, and confidence in state institutions.
He added that when people feel secure, enjoy justice and opportunities, they become partners in protecting their homeland. He stressed that investment in education, awareness, youth, and digital culture forms a key line of defence against extremism, chaos, and societal collapse.
General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah said the region is passing through a sensitive stage requiring a high degree of wisdom and responsibility through protecting societies, respecting international law, and safeguarding navigation security and vital corridors, which must remain constant priorities in addressing current crises, as peoples seek security, stability, and dignified living conditions.
In conclusion, the Minister affirmed that Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty the King and with the support and follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, believes the future belongs to those who are more efficient, better prepared, more capable of building trust, and more invested in people, science, and technology.
He added that, as the world witnesses the launch of this international summit from Abu Dhabi in the heart of the Arabian Gulf, Bahrain affirms that sustainable security is achieved through vision, resilience, partnership, and the belief that the stability of peoples forms the foundation of global stability. He concluded by thanking the UAE for the initiative.
On the sidelines of the summit, the minister toured the International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience (ISNR 2026), being held from May 19 to 21, where he reviewed the latest technologies and equipment in the fields of security, safety, and crime prevention. He praised the quality and advanced nature of the exhibits and their role in enhancing security services and rapid response to crises and emergencies.
During the tour, the minister and Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the graduation ceremony of the specialised Child Protection Specialist training programme launched jointly by the interior ministries of Bahrain and the UAE. The programme aims to enhance the skills of security and professional personnel and develop their capabilities in dealing with children's rights issues and providing a safe environment, within the framework of joint programmes involving the exchange of expertise, including child protection in cyberspace.
The minister also visited the pavilion of the Institute of Applied Technology, one of the UAE's leading educational institutions providing high-quality technical education through modern methodologies and diverse specialisations aimed at preparing students for the labour market and higher education. The institute, established in 2005, has 20 branches.
At the conclusion of the visit, the minister praised the UAE's organisational capabilities reflected in hosting the international exhibition, expressing his wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the UAE and its people.
ISNR 2026 serves as