Stop cutting-edge technology falling into wrong hands

Middle East Military Technology Conference (MEMTEC) has called for collective action to prevent modern technologies falling into the hands of terrorist groups and supporters. The conference held on the sidelines of BIDEC 2019 also called for building international partnerships to boost national defence industries and localisation of military technology.

“The Kingdom of Bahrain has made huge strides in this area and is now a leader,” said Dr Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the chair of MEMTEC. The conference featured five lectures on global military technology outlook, cyber defence strategies, the impact of advances in artificial intelligence on armed forces, developing simulation models for future warfare and the future of Middle East defence procurement - acquisition strategies and localised production.

Dr Shaikh Abdullah, also Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (DERASAT) was one of the speakers. He said the conference discussed the role of technology in human progress and creating an environment suitable for regional security. “Such a role gains tremendous significance in the Middle East because of the crises and conflicts that prevail,” said Dr Shaikh Abdullah.

He stressed the importance of standing by Saudi Arabia against anyone who tries to compromise its security or threaten its stability. “There is also the need to secure waterways in the Middle East and ensure safe passage and freedom of navigation to achieve stability of energy security and international trade.”

Participants, Dr Shaikh Abdullah said, commended the Royal Directive of HM the King to boost digital economy and adopt and use of artificial intelligence in the productive and service sectors. “Such moves will turn Bahrain into a centre for digital technology that reflects an advanced vision of the importance of investing technology in the region to consolidate prosperity,” he said.