RIYADH — French firm Thales Group and Saudi Arabia’s Advanced Electronics Company (AEC) have partnered for the inaugural Saudi National Security and Risk Prevention Expo on Nov. 4- 6, 2018 in Riyadh under the patronage and presence of Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Saud Bin Nayef Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Expo has confirmed participation from over 100 leading companies working in the national security sector from 13 countries including China, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Italy, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. More countries are expected to join in the near future.

Meline Eolmezian-Soulie, Security Portfolio Regional Group Events Director at Reed Exhibitions said, “The strong interest and level of participation we have witnessed so far affirms Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a leading hub for the development and knowledge exchange of national security-related solutions. We are excited to welcome on board as partners Thales Group and AEC, two leading firms whose expertise will further enrich the event and accelerate the development of the Saudi security sector.”

Thales, with over 64,000 employees worldwide, has had a presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for 50 years. Thales employs 700 people in the country and provides its customers with advanced solutions in defense, security, aerospace, transportation, and space.

Pascal Lesaulnier, Chairman and CEO, Thales Group Saudi Arabia, reconfirmed the group’s commitment for the country. “Our partnership with the Kingdom was forged over many years and is important to us. During this time, we have valued our relationships, where innovation is at the heart of everything we do. We are proud of our integrated solutions that are used to protect critical infrastructures, holy sites, financial transactions, cybersecurity, and sensitive data.”

Thales supports Vision 2030 and is keen to develop its activities further and expand its footprint in the security field, supporting Saudi Arabia’s efforts at digital transformation.

“We believe the Saudi National Security and Risk Prevention Expo represents an innovative platform where security stakeholders can discuss emerging trends and challenges, and exhibit the latest security technologies. Thales is proud to participate at this inaugural exhibition,” said Lesaulnier.

Advanced Electronics Company is a national company that focuses on build, and innovative advanced solutions serving Defense and Aerospace, ICT, energy, and security.

Abdulaziz Bin Abdullah Al Duailej, President and CEO, AEC, said “Saudi National Security and Risk Prevention Expo is an iconic event that brings together local and international companies to network, learn and share knowledge on security-related issues and solutions. The Expo will create opportunities for partnership and business collaboration for participants. Additionally, the Expo will highlight the role of technology in overcoming future security challenges.”

The first event of its kind in the Kingdom, the Saudi National Security and Risk Prevention Expo will also feature a two-day program of keynotes and workshops by subject matter experts on the future landscape of several key issues, including Hajj security and security, smart safe cities, critical infrastructure protection and cybersecurity.

Collaborative in nature, the Expo will provide networking and exclusive roundtables for strategic sectors between government authorities and industry leaders to share best practice and investigate strategic partnerships. Almost 70% of the 9,500 square meter exhibition space is already booked, offering exhibitors ample opportunities to showcase the latest in global national security solutions. In addition to regular space, exhibitors also have the option of setting up in specialized and national pavilions to display their innovations. — SG