MOI Hosts First Chiefs Forum in Collaboration with the International Association of Chiefs of Police
The Ministry of Interior organized the first-ever chiefs' forum in cooperation with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the largest professional organization for police agencies worldwide. The event is taking place from October 1 to 3 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Distinguished attendees included Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaili, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior; Major General Salem Ali Mubarak Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for Resources and Support Services; Major General Sheikh Sultan Al Nuaimi, Commander-in-Chief of Ajman Police; Major General Mohammed Ahmed Ghanem Al Kaabi, Commander-in-Chief of Fujairah Police; Major General Dr. Jassim Al Marzouqi, Commander-in-Chief of Civil Defense; Major General Abdulaziz Maktoum Al Sharifi, Director General of Preventive Security; Major General Rashid Khalifa Al Falasi, Director of the General Department of Transport and Rescue at Dubai Police; along with numerous officers from the Ministry of Interior, general police HQs, IACP representatives, and police chiefs from various countries. The forum aimed to foster the exchange of information, expertise, and practices in international police work, while exploring avenues for enhancing joint cooperation. It also sought to further develop the knowledge and capabilities of police personnel at all levels to strengthen the security of societies. In his opening speech, Major General Al Khaili welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of such meetings in enhancing global cooperation. He reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to being an effective partner in international coordination, knowledge exchange, and training to achieve global security and peace. Phoenix Hawkes, Director of International Relations and Partnerships at IACP, also addressed the forum, expressing gratitude to Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, for the partnership between the UAE Ministry of Interior and the IACP. He highlighted how Abu Dhabi has become a central hub for expanding international collaboration, with shared training and information initiatives. Hawkes also emphasized IACP's role as the largest and most influential police chiefs' association globally, shaping the future of policing by raising professional standards and expanding its reach across continents to advance law enforcement. The first day of the conference featured a workshop where police chiefs discussed key security challenges and explored opportunities for enhancing cooperation among law enforcement agencies. Attendees also exchanged insights on best practices in security and officer development. Additionally, closed-door meetings were held to discuss global cultural shifts and enhance international cultural communication. A highlight of the event was the participation of guest of honor, retired U.S. Army Colonel Gregory Kadson, who shared his professional and personal experiences, recounting the challenges of his military service and the lessons in leadership and cooperation that shaped his career. He also shared inspiring stories emphasizing the values of discipline and loyalty. On the sidelines of the forum, the Ministry of Interior signed seven cooperation agreements with police organizations from the United States, Canada, and Malta, in collaboration with IACP. The agreements were signed in the presence of Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaili and Phoenix Hawkes. Brigadier Walid Al Shamsi, Commander of the Police College, represented the Ministry of Interior in the signing. These agreements aim to enhance academic and training cooperation, as well as the exchange of expertise, information, and best practices in police and security fields.