UAE Ministry of Defence endorses region's first Geospatial Intelligence conference

The announcement was made in a press conference today attended by representatives of the UAE Ministry of Defence, Colonel Adel Ahmed Sultan and Major Yaqoob Yousef, and representative of Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research, Mr. Ahmed Saif Al Boloshi.

The region's first and only focused geospatial intelligence summit will be held in Dubai from 27 to 29 April, with participation of global experts from the world's leading geospatial intelligence organizations.

Hugh James, Divisional Director of Defence IQ, IQPC Middle East says, "The three-day Geospatial Intelligence Middle East forum gives military personnel an opportunity to meet key decision makers and exchange best practice and learning".

The summit will straddle the military civilian divide to drive forward regional geospatial development. With exclusive case studies from some of the global leaders in intelligence exploitation, this event tackles interoperability and integration head-on.

"The conference delivers critical information to senior decision makers in the defence, aerospace and technology sectors, tackling issues relating to the latest defence plans, requirements, programmes and technologies and how they affect the industry, "says James.

Topics covered include the future of GIS - what technologies are on the horizon that may radically impact the evolution of geospatial technology; future geospatial trends and technologies that could aid homeland security and civil resilience.

"Within the GCC countries, the use of geographic information is increasingly valuable in the defence sector as well as in civilian sphere in terms of regional development and ensuring national security.

"As the threats to national security increases, asymmetrical partnership between military, security and civilian organizations has become critical.

The summit includes several round table discussions allowing participants to unpack future defence and security requirements and how civilian authorities can contribute to national resilience".

Delegates will be addressed and discussions will be facilitated by those in the top of the field including representatives from The UAE Ministry of Defence, the UK MoD, Defence Communication Services Agency, the Open Geospatial Consortium and EU Satellite Centre.