ISNR Abu Dhabi is the UAE's flagship biennial trade exhibition and conference for national security, public safety, and resilience technology. Held under the patronage of Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the event brings together government ministries, security agencies, and technology suppliers from across the globe to Abu Dhabi's ADNEC Centre. The 2026 edition – the ninth and largest – closed with 253 exhibitors and 37,434 visitors; the tenth edition is scheduled for 4–6 April 2028.
Status note: The 2026 edition (19–21 May 2026) has concluded. This fiche documents confirmed 2026 results and confirmed 2028 dates. The 2028 edition is the next upcoming event.
ISNR Abu Dhabi (International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience) is a biennial government-backed trade exhibition and conference held at ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Organised by ADNEC Group in association with the UAE Ministry of Interior and in strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Police GHQ, ISNR is the UAE's primary platform for showcasing and procuring technology and solutions across eight critical security sectors. The event is held under the patronage of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. The ninth edition took place 19–21 May 2026 under the theme "Securing Tomorrow Today." The tenth edition is confirmed for 4–6 April 2028.
ISNR Abu Dhabi was established as a platform to support the UAE's expanding security sector and to position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for homeland security dialogue and procurement. The event has grown consistently across successive editions, with the 2026 edition recording a 19% increase in exhibitor numbers over 2024 and a 49% surge in visitor attendance. Each edition has introduced new features: the 2026 edition launched the Abu Dhabi Global Sustainable Security Summit, the AI Security Forum, the Code Breaker Hackathon, a Fire Hub, K9 Agility Demonstrations, and an ISNR Fitness Competition, reflecting the organisers' strategy to broaden the event's programming beyond the exhibition floor.
ISNR 2026 was described by the organiser as the ninth and largest edition in the exhibition's history. Key figures: 253 exhibitors (up 19% from 2024), 37,434 visitors (up 49%), exhibition space of 28,000 square metres (up 17%), participation from 37 countries (up 6%, with nine countries attending for the first time), and an inaugural global summit welcoming over 2,000 participants from 15 countries. National UAE companies represented 60% of exhibitors; SMEs accounted for 20% of participants. The Abu Dhabi Global Sustainable Security Summit featured over 60 speakers across nine workshops, three roundtables, three resilience sessions, and five panel discussions. An AI Security Forum, Code Breaker Hackathon, and ISNR Fitness Competition were introduced as new features.
The 10th edition of ISNR is confirmed for 4–6 April 2028 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Specific programme details and themes for 2028 had not been disclosed as of June 2026. Based on the growth trajectory of previous editions, the 2028 edition is expected to expand exhibitor numbers and visitor participation further, potentially introducing additional features in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and sustainable security.
ISNR occupies a distinct position in the global security calendar as the Gulf region's premier homeland security exhibition. Its biennial rhythm places it on even-numbered years, broadly alternating with major European counterparts. The May timing of the 2026 edition placed it shortly after IDEX/NAVDEX (February, Abu Dhabi) and ahead of Eurosatory (June, Paris). The shift to an April date for 2028 moves it earlier in the spring security season. ISNR competes for global audience share with Milipol Paris (November, biennial) and INTERSEC (January, Dubai, annual), with a distinctive government-patronage positioning and strong GCC procurement dimension.
Exhibitors span government defence and security agencies, international technology companies, and UAE-based SMEs across sectors including cybersecurity, border control, public safety, emergency management, critical infrastructure protection, and AI-driven security systems. The visitor base includes senior government officials and ministry representatives, police and armed forces procurement officers, private security operators, and technology decision-makers. The 2026 edition confirmed participation from 37 countries, with strong representation from GCC states, European NATO members, and Asian technology exporters. Official delegations and VIP programmes are coordinated by the organising committee.
The exhibition floor covers 28,000 square metres (2026 figure) across eight defined security sectors at ADNEC. The event integrates a multi-day conference programme: in 2026 this included the inaugural Abu Dhabi Global Sustainable Security Summit, the AI Security Forum, and an MOI Talks programme. Interactive features include the Code Breaker Hackathon (cybersecurity), K9 Agility Demonstrations, and live-fire or physical capability displays. The ISNR Fitness Competition is a newer addition engaging both exhibitor and community participants. A formal VIP and official delegation programme supports ministerial and governmental engagement. The event is co-branded with Abu Dhabi Police GHQ and operates under Ministry of Interior protocols.
Eight critical security sectors are represented:
| Edition number | 9th (largest to date) |
| Exhibitors | 253 (up 19% vs 2024) |
| Countries represented | 37 (up 6% vs 2024, 9 first-timers) |
| Exhibition space | 28,000 sq m (up 17% vs 2024) |
| Visitors | 37,434 (up 49% vs 2024) |
| National exhibitors (UAE) | 60% of total |
| SME participation | 20% of exhibitors |
| Abu Dhabi Global Sustainable Security Summit participants | 2,000+ from 15 countries |
| Summit speakers | 60+ |
| Theme | "Securing Tomorrow Today" |
ISNR is organised by ADNEC Group in association with the UAE Ministry of Interior, which is a co-organising partner rather than merely a patron. The Ministry of Interior's own procurement and contracting activity at the show (including on-site contract announcements) is a central feature of the event. The show is held under the personal patronage of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Yes. The 2026 edition welcomed participants from 37 countries, including international pavilions and foreign government delegations. ISNR actively targets international exhibitors and official delegations from allied and partner nations. The organisers operate a formal delegation invitation programme coordinated through the Ministry of Interior.
INTERSEC (held annually in January in Dubai) is a commercially-driven security and safety trade show covering both commercial and governmental security markets. ISNR is more government-centric: its direct link to the Ministry of Interior gives it a strong procurement and policy dimension, with official contract announcements and high-level governmental engagement that distinguishes it from INTERSEC's more commercial character.
ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company) is located at Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE. The venue is one of the largest integrated exhibition and convention facilities in the Middle East, with over 133,000 square metres of total covered space and 38,500 square metres of indoor exhibition halls. It is located approximately 5 kilometres from Abu Dhabi city centre and 30 kilometres from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). The venue includes the Capital Gate tower (an adjoining hotel), multiple conference suites, and extensive outdoor demonstration areas. Public transport links are limited; taxis, ride-hailing apps, and a venue shuttle service are the primary means of access. On-site and adjacent parking is substantial.
ADNEC Group is a Modon company (Abu Dhabi-based property and industrial developer) that operates Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre and a portfolio of event venues and hospitality assets. The Group CEO, Humaid Al Dhaheri, confirmed at the 2026 closing ceremony that ADNEC Group is committed to developing ISNR as a leading international platform. ADNEC Group also operates Al Ain Convention Centre and venues in the United Kingdom (ExCeL London, through a partial ownership stake). For ISNR specifically, ADNEC Group acts as venue operator and primary organiser, with co-organisational authority shared with the UAE Ministry of Interior and Abu Dhabi Police GHQ.
With its 49% visitor surge in 2026 and an inaugural global security summit, ISNR Abu Dhabi has moved decisively into the top tier of the world's homeland security calendar, backed by state patronage and direct procurement authority that no European counterpart can match.
Visitor registration for ISNR is free for qualified professionals; passes are requested online via the official ISNR website (badge.isnrabudhabi.com or the "request your pass" link on the official site). The event is reserved for security industry professionals; the general public and minors are not admitted. Exhibitor enquiries are handled via the ADNEC/ISNR commercial team at the exhibiting section of the official website. Stand pricing is not disclosed publicly. Official delegations and VIP participants are registered through a separate protocol managed by the Ministry of Interior Higher Organising Committee. Visa support letters can be requested through the official website for visitors requiring UAE entry visas.
UAE entry requirements vary by nationality. Many nationalities receive visa-on-arrival or are eligible for an electronic visa (e-visa). Visitors requiring a formal visa can request a support letter through the ISNR official website. Applications should be submitted at least four weeks before the event. The organisers' visa support page is at https://www.isnrabudhabi.com.
ISNR is a government-hosted event with elevated security protocols. Business attire is required throughout. All participants pass through security screening at the venue entrance. Photography in certain demonstration areas may be restricted; follow signage and steward instructions. Certain product demonstrations involving weapons or controlled technologies may require pre-registration or security clearance.
Yes. The official working languages are Arabic and English. Signage, conference sessions, and exhibitor materials are typically available in both languages. The summit and conference programme is predominantly conducted in English, with simultaneous interpretation into Arabic for official government sessions.
| Official website | https://www.isnrabudhabi.com/en |
| not disclosed | |
| X | not disclosed |
| Register (visitor pass) | https://badge.isnrabudhabi.com |
| Exhibitor enquiry | https://www.isnrabudhabi.com/en/enquire-to-exhibit-2026 |
| Programme | not disclosed (2028 programme not yet published) |