Region’s leading homeland security event welcomes more than 16,000 visitors as Gulf and international security leaders strengthen cooperation in Doha
What happens when a biennial security exhibition draws a double-digit jump in attendance and nearly a hundred new deals? For Doha, it signals that homeland security cooperation is accelerating faster than ever. The 16th edition of Milipol Qatar wrapped up on Thursday after three packed days at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), bringing together official delegations, security agencies and industry players from across the Gulf, the wider Middle East and beyond.
During the closing press conference, Major General Nasser bin Fahad Al Thani, Chairman of the Milipol Qatar Committee, revealed that the exhibition hosted more than 270 local and international exhibitors and welcomed over 16,000 visitors — a 10% increase compared to the last edition. He also announced that 96 deals were signed, totaling QAR 819,772,612 (roughly US$225 million). Confirming the event’s continued momentum, he stated that the next edition is scheduled for 31 October to 2 November 2028.
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Major General Al Thani underscored the critical need for tighter collaboration among security institutions, the private sector, and technology providers, alongside stronger international partnerships to tackle evolving security threats that are increasingly common across the region. He specifically pointed to the Doha International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Security, which served as a forum for discussions on trust, governance, sovereignty, and the responsible deployment of technology.
He also noted that this year’s program featured the Al Nokhba Physical Challenge Championship, an event designed to promote physical fitness, discipline, and a competitive spirit.
Karen Galstyan, Security Business Unit Director and Milipol Exhibitions Director at Comexposium, emphasized the exhibition’s role in building professional connections and strengthening ties among exhibitors, decision-makers, and government entities. Reflecting on the partnership that launched Milipol Qatar three decades ago, he described it as a successful model of international security cooperation. “Milipol Qatar began as a bold idea between two countries,” Galstyan said. “This week, I watched that idea grow stronger than ever. A French brand and a Qatari ministry, thirty years on, still working side by side, and still raising the bar every time. When we return to Doha, the 17th edition will build on everything we have achieved here.”
Milipol Qatar 2026 was organized by the Ministry of Interior of the State of Qatar in partnership with international exhibition organizer Comexposium.
About Milipol Qatar
Founded in 1996, Milipol Qatar is the global event for homeland security and safety in the Middle East and North Africa. The biennial industry-only event is organized by the Ministry of Interior of the State of Qatar in partnership with the French-based company Comexposium Security, acting on behalf of the GIE Milipol headed by Civipol, the cooperation implementer of the French Ministry of the Interior and Overseas. For more than 30 years, the Milipol brand has been synonymous with high-quality international homeland security events. The brand is represented by Milipol Paris, Milipol Qatar, Milipol Asia-Pacific TechX Summit and Milipol India.
Why it matters: The surge in both attendance and deal value at Milipol Qatar underscores a deepening commitment among Gulf and international partners to address shared security challenges through technology and collaboration. With artificial intelligence and governance now central to these discussions, the event signals that homeland security is evolving from reactive measures to proactive, tech-driven strategies that will shape regional safety for years to come.
Eliana Maakaroun
Action Qatar
