Security, Aerospace & Defence
From The Report: Abu Dhabi 2016
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Abu Dhabi’s security, aerospace and defence industries have become a critical component of the emirate’s ongoing push to both protect critical national infrastructure and its interests abroad, as well as transform itself into a knowledge-based, diversified economy. Total military spending in the UAE stood at 5.1% of GDP in 2012 before rising to 6.1% in 2013 and then moderating to 5.7% in 2014. The UAE is the regional leader in defence manufacturing companies, with more than 80 firms focusing on shipbuilding, unmanned systems, and aviation and land systems. Meanwhile, the UAE’s space plans formally began in July 2014 with the announcement that the country would launch a scientific mission to Mars in 2021. This chapter contains an interview with Major General Mohammed Khalfan Matar Al Rumaithi, Commander-in-Chief, Abu Dhabi Police.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Security centre: The emirate is establishing itself as a key regional player in defence and security
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Amidst an increasingly complex geopolitical backdrop, Abu Dhabi’s security, aerospace and defence industries have become a critical component of the emirate’s ongoing push to both protect critical national infrastructure and its interests abroad, as well as transform itself into a knowledge-based, diversified economy. In the aerospace segment, years of targeted investment in manufacturing, research and human resources are driving the emirate to become a leading global aerospace centre, with emerging…

Interview

Assuring safety: OBG talks to Major General Mohammed Khalfan Matar Al Rumaithi, Commander-in-Chief, Abu Dhabi Police
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Interview:Major General Mohammed Khalfan Matar Al Rumaithi How has policy shifted towards a greater emphasis on community-based policing? MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED KHALFAN MATAR AL RUMAITHI: The community police have been remarkably successful in moving from simple traditional policing to a wider role by emphasising the need for communication and interaction with the community, as well as greater community harmony and unity. These achievements were the work of our police officers and civil society…

Analysis

Aerospace ascendant: Critical projects in both aviation and defence are under way
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The ongoing transformation into a regional hub for aerospace and aviation has included a strong push to move from maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to production for global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Led by national carrier Etihad Airways, Mubadala Development Company’s (an Abu Dhabi-based investment and development company) Aerospace and Engineering Services platform, and the Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC), the push to see Abu Dhabi move into manufacturing…

Analysis

Becoming cybersecure: The emirate is shoring up its electronic defences to counter the rising global threat from cyberattacks
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Cybersecurity is becoming an increasingly important security priority for Abu Dhabi’s government, as the emirate’s ongoing transition to a knowledge-based economy entails significant development of new digital infrastructure. The UAE experiences the second-highest level of documented cyberattacks in the MENA region, prompting the country’s leadership to launch a new digital protection entity, the National Electronic Security Authority (NESA), in a bid to better protect critical national infrastructure.…