World Police Summit

History and origin

The World Police Summit was established by Dubai Police to position Dubai as a global hub for law enforcement innovation and to create a high-level platform for police forces to share knowledge, assess technologies, and build international operational relationships. The event has grown steadily since its founding, with the 2025 edition attracting 53,000 visitors from 110+ countries, 85 Chiefs of Police, 922 global leaders, and 300 speakers. The 2026 edition is the sixth and is billed as an expanded version of its predecessors, with the addition of new tracks and a larger exhibition floor. The summit is operated by DXB Live, the events management arm of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority.

The 2026 edition: expanded tracks and new theme

The 2026 edition runs under the theme "Connected for Impact: Uniting Global Forces to Safeguard Future Generations." It will feature 15 global thematic tracks (expanded from 12 in 2025), over 170 exhibitors, and a return of the WPS Awards programme across 12 categories. High-level participation is expected from ministers of interior, police chiefs and senior officials from Europe, the United States, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, China, and Russia. Key new tracks for 2026 include Satellite Intelligence and Space Security, Elite Officer Mental and Physical Wellbeing Forum, Road Safety and Traffic Law Enforcement, Robotics, Drones and Unmanned Systems, and Police Investigations: Criminal and Forensic Intelligence.

Where WPS sits in the security and defence calendar

WPS is positioned in mid-November, a month after Milipol Paris (the other leading global law enforcement and homeland security trade event). It is the only event of its scale and seniority that is held in the Middle East and explicitly co-organised by a national police force. Its closest functional comparator is Milipol Paris in terms of audience and exhibitor mix, but WPS draws a significantly larger footfall and has a stronger Global South and Middle East/Africa representation. For companies selling technology to law enforcement globally, attending both Milipol and WPS in successive weeks in November is a standard practice.

Who attends WPS

Attendance is structured across several distinct communities:

• Law enforcement leadership: ministers of interior, police commissioners, chiefs of police, and senior officials from over 110 countries. The 2025 edition drew 85 chiefs of police and 922 global leaders.
• Technology exhibitors and solution providers: 170+ companies demonstrating products in surveillance, cybersecurity, AI-driven policing, armoured vehicles, forensics, communications, and border management.
• Policymakers and academics: researchers, international organisations (INTERPOL, UNODC), and policy analysts.
• Startup and innovation community: a Startup Arena within the exhibition gives early-stage companies access to senior law enforcement buyers.
• General law enforcement professionals and students: visitor passes are free for exhibition floor access.

What the WPS format includes

WPS is built around five interconnected pillars:

• Exhibition: 170+ exhibitors across country pavilions, demonstration hubs, a Startup Arena, an Academic Zone, and an Investor Program. The exhibition floor is open to visitors with a free registration.
• 15 Thematic Conference Tracks: dedicated streams covering the major domains of modern policing, each with specialist speakers. Tracks include AI-Driven Policing and Digital Transformation; Cybersecurity, Hyper Crime and Cyber Resilience; Aerospace, Land and Maritime Security; Border and Migration Security; Financial Crimes and Crypto Laundering; Anti-Narcotics and Drug Trafficking; Organised Crime; Community Policing; Operational Excellence; Robotics, Drones and Unmanned Systems; Satellite Intelligence and Space Security; Police Investigations and Forensic Intelligence; Road Safety; Leadership; and Officer Wellbeing.
• Policing 5.0 Programme: a futures-focused strand examining how technology and societal change will reshape law enforcement over the next decade.
• WPS Awards: 12 category awards recognising excellence in policing across criminal investigation, road safety, forensic sciences, anti-narcotics, AI in policing, innovation, female leadership, community contribution, and others.
• Networking and bilateral meetings: structured opportunities for police delegations, government officials, and technology companies to meet.

What WPS covers

Core thematic pillars for 2026:

• AI-driven policing and digital transformation of law enforcement
• Cybersecurity and cybercrime response
• Robotics, drones, and autonomous systems for policing
• Satellite intelligence and space security
• Forensic science and criminal investigation
• Border and migration security
• Counter-narcotics and financial crime
• Community policing and civic trust
• Road safety and traffic enforcement
• Officer health, wellbeing, and leadership
• Smart policing infrastructure

The 2025 edition in numbers (organiser-declared)

The venue: Dubai World Trade Centre

The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is Dubai's principal exhibition and convention facility, located on Sheikh Zayed Road in central Dubai, adjacent to the World Trade Centre metro station (Red Line). It comprises multiple halls totalling more than 130,000 square metres of indoor exhibition space, making it the largest exhibition complex in the Middle East. It is approximately 8 km from Dubai International Airport (DXB), with a direct metro connection. The venue is adjacent to Dubai's central business district, with extensive hotel capacity within walking distance. DWTC also hosts GITEX, Dubai Airshow, and other major international events.

The organiser: Dubai Police and DXB Live

Dubai Police is the law enforcement agency of the Emirate of Dubai, part of the UAE's federal security structure. It is one of the most technologically advanced police forces in the world, known for early adoption of AI, robotics (including robot police officers), smart surveillance, and autonomous vehicles. WPS serves as Dubai Police's flagship international engagement platform and knowledge exchange mechanism. DXB Live is the events management subsidiary of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, responsible for operational delivery of the summit. The summit is further supported by the UAE Ministry of Interior.

First time at the World Police Summit? How to prepare

• Register early and choose the right pass. Free visitor passes give exhibition access only; the Delegate pass (USD 300) is required for conference tracks and the opening ceremony. Government and student rates are substantially reduced. Register well in advance as delegate quotas may apply.
• Review the 15 track programme before arrival. WPS runs 15 simultaneous conference tracks across three days. Without a session plan you will lose time navigating the schedule on-site. Download the published agenda from worldpolicesummit.com and mark the two or three tracks most relevant to your work before travelling.
• Use the Startup Arena and Demonstration Hub for technology scouting. The exhibition is large (170+ exhibitors); the Startup Arena and Demonstration Hub contain the most innovative and hands-on technology displays. These areas are typically less crowded in the first hour after opening.
• Plan bilateral meetings at least two weeks in advance. Senior police delegations and ministerial representatives have tightly structured schedules. Request meetings through official WPS channels or via your embassy or national police delegation contact well before the event.
• Dubai in November: weather and logistics. Dubai in November is warm and dry (24-32°C), ideal for the region. Business attire is standard in the conference area; the exhibition floor has a mix of formal and casual dress. The DWTC is on the Dubai Metro Red Line (World Trade Centre station), making hotel choices along Sheikh Zayed Road straightforward.
• Visit the awards ceremony if you can. The WPS Awards are a formal highlight of the event and an occasion when senior officials from across the world are in the same room. Even attending as an observer provides useful context about which forces and initiatives are being recognised internationally.