Saif bin Zayed inaugurates Fourth Edition of World Police Summit with 100+ Nations in Attendance
In the presence of global police leaders, international experts, and key decision-makers in the security sector, His Highness Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, officially inaugurated the fourth edition of the World Police Summit today (Tuesday) at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
Joining Sheikh Saif at the opening were His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, along with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.
Organised by Dubai Police in partnership with DXB Live, the summit runs for three days under the theme Envisioning the Future of Policing . It brings together over 300 speakers and experts from around the world, representing more than 100 countries, global law enforcement agencies, and over 200 specialised security and technology companies.
During the opening ceremony, His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, delivered the welcome address, expressing his honour in hosting the summit and extending a warm welcome to international delegations.
He said: We are proud to welcome you to the UAE, your second home, where security, innovation, and future-focused policing converge. Today, under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this summit brings together police leaders, security experts, and strategic thinkers to address global challenges and exchange best practices.
Al Marri noted the rise of transnational crime and the increasing threat of cybercrime, including AI-powered scams, dark web activity, and digital fraud. He referenced INTERPOL reports that revealed over 100 billion stolen personal and financial records were traded on the dark web in 2024 alone a 42% increase from the previous year. Ransomware attacks accounted for roughly 25% of global cyber insurance claims.
He also emphasised Dubai Police’s commitment to sharing its experience in integrating policing with cutting-edge technology, highlighting global initiatives such as the International Anti-Narcotics Forum, Anti-Fraud Forum, UAE SWAT Challenge, and the Police Innovation and Leadership (PIL) Diploma. These events collectively attracted participation from 110 countries, showcasing the UAE’s leadership in fostering global security partnerships.
Al Marri concluded by affirming that community safety is a shared responsibility requiring cross-border cooperation, and he expressed hope that the summit would produce actionable recommendations to shape a safer, more prosperous future.
Following his address, a short film was screened highlighting the achievements of the sixth edition of the UAE SWAT Challenge, which earned a Guinness World Record for the highest number of participating countries in a tactical competition with over 100 teams taking part.
Focus on Cybercrime in the Gaming Sector
In his keynote speech, John Romero, renowned video game designer and co-creator of Doom, shed light on cybercrime’s impact on the gaming industry. He revealed that the sector loses an estimated USD 29 billion annually due to cheating and illegal hacking. Companies have invested around USD 13.5 billion in anti-cheat technologies, while black-market activities generate USD 50 million in illicit revenue.
Romero outlined how hackers exploit game systems through unfair advantages like auto-aiming and in-game speed hacks, and how designers now use AI and behavioural analytics to detect anomalies, flag cheaters, and secure game environments.
He stressed that just as hackers use advanced tech to exploit games, developers are harnessing those same tools, including machine learning, to maintain fair, safe, and trustworthy gaming ecosystems.
The Exhibition
His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan also inaugurated the accompanying exhibition, which showcases the latest innovations and technologies across multiple domains, including cybercrime investigation, forensic science, artificial intelligence, airport security, drone systems, smart mobility, narcotics control, and digital policing readiness.
WPS 2025
The summit continues over the next two days with high-level discussions, workshops, and networking sessions aimed at shaping the future of global policing and strengthening international cooperation.