The second day of the World Police Summit 2025 in Dubai saw global law enforcement leaders and security experts unite to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including drug trafficking, cybercrime, aviation security, and modern policing operations.
Organised under the theme Beyond the Badge: Envision the Next Era of Policing, the summit features four specialised conferences and 12 main security tracks, covering topics from cybercrime and drug control to border security and human trafficking.
Cybersecurity Awareness and Community Involvement
In a session on cybersecurity, UAE Cybersecurity Council Chairman Mohammed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti highlighted the national Cyber Pulse initiative. Marking 2025 as the Year of Community, the initiative aims to empower society as the first line of defence.
“Our focus remains on people,” he said. “We are committed to equipping both tech professionals and youth with the skills to confront cyber threats, especially as we enter the era of the fifth industrial revolution.”
Al-Kuwaiti also emphasised the dual nature of technology – a powerful asset when used responsibly, yet a potential threat when misused. He highlighted proactive efforts across the UAE to detect, monitor, and swiftly neutralise cyberattacks.
Crowd Control and Intelligence-Led Event Security
A panel titled ‘Public Order and Crowd Control: Intelligence-Led Security for International Events’ examined the importance of integrating intelligence, planning, and operations to manage international events.
Speakers included Franz Ruf (Austria), Tarun Juba (India), Antonin Flament (France), Abdullah Al Ghaithi (Dubai Police), David Rubens (UK), Cathy Lanier (former Washington D.C. Police Chief), and Nowin Bhardwaj (Trescon).
Using Data to Tackle Global Drug Trafficking
A compelling session on drug enforcement opened with a short documentary highlighting the four pillars of anti-narcotics efforts: prevention, treatment, early detection, and global cooperation. Angela Me, chief of research and trend analysis at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, shared alarming statistics, including that over 100 million people use illicit drugs, and new trafficking routes are emerging across South Asia and Africa. Synthetic drugs pose a growing threat due to their low cost, ease of production, and adaptability.
She called for unified global surveys to monitor consumption trends and urged improved collaboration between international law enforcement bodies to dismantle cross-border networks.
Brigadier Khalid bin Muwaiza, the deputy director of the general department for anti-narcotics at Dubai Police, echoed this sentiment, stressing the need to bridge theory and practice and build swift, coordinated global responses to transnational crime.
Addressing Emerging Threats in Aviation Security
In the session ‘Counterterrorism and Emerging Threats in Aviation Security,’ Europol Commissioner Peter Nilsson highlighted growing risks, including insider threats, drone attacks, sabotage, and laser interference with pilots. With over 400 commercial airports in Europe alone, he stressed that collaboration and clear regulations are essential.
“From baggage handlers to air traffic controllers, every staff member must be cyber-aware,” he said. Clearly defined roles during crises can significantly improve emergency responses and operational continuity.
Global Collaboration Against Cybercrime
A high-level session titled ‘Combatting Cross-Border Cybercrime’ brought together experts from the UNODC, FBI, India’s CyberPeace Foundation, and the Nigerian Police.
Moderated by Professor Moyara Ruehsen from the Middlebury Institute, the discussion focused on the need for unified global strategies to overcome obstacles such as legal jurisdiction conflicts, privacy concerns, evidence collection challenges, and evolving cyberattack methods. Real-world examples of successful international cooperation underscored the power of unified action.
The summit, hosted by Dubai Police in partnership with DXB Live and supported by key global entities such as the IACP, UNODC, and Europol, also features a major exhibition with more than 170 international exhibitors. Companies including Samsung, du, Esri, and Inkas Armoured Vehicles are showcasing cutting-edge innovations to shape public safety’s future.
The World Police Summit runs through May 15, 2025.
MySecurity Media are media partners to World Police Summit 2025
