Rabdan Security And Defence Institute Launched By Saif Bin Zayed At ISNR 2024 Conference

H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, inaugurated the Rabdan Security and Defence Institute (RSDI) at the ISNR 2024 Conference. This initiative, spearheaded by Rabdan Academy, aims to enhance security and defence studies in the Middle East.

The RSDI will provide analysis, research, and recommendations to policymakers on regional security dynamics. It seeks to identify potential threats, opportunities, and challenges in the Middle East. The institute's focus areas include threat assessment, geopolitics, energy security, human security, conflict resolution, and military capability development.

His Highness also participated in the Circles of Resilience initiative, a youth dialogue platform for security and defence domains led by Rabdan Academy. This initiative aims to educate young individuals in artificial intelligence, security technology, national defence, and other relevant subjects related to national security.

His Excellency James Morse, President of Rabdan Academy, stated: ‘Our vision is to advance peace, stability, and security in the Middle East and globally through meticulous analysis, strategic policy recommendations and active engagement with stakeholders worldwide.’

Morse announced that RSDI will commence its initial operational phase through a strategic partnership with the Middle East Institute in Washington. This collaboration will focus on defence and security fields, leveraging a network of senior researchers, academics, and experts worldwide.

The centre will utilise modern technical tools to enhance scientific research development and management. It will also prioritise areas such as defence technology, defence industry innovation, regional security cooperation, civil-military relations, terrorism and extremism, border security and immigration, weapons proliferation and arms control.

Research Focus

Dr. Naji Al Seiari, Research & Innovation Director at Rabdan Academy, expressed enthusiasm about establishing partnerships with various think tanks and international research centres. He highlighted that this initiative aims to enhance international dialogues by engaging policymakers, diplomats, and experts in exchanging ideas and visions.

The RSDI will develop policy papers, reports, and high-level media briefings focused on international security issues impacting the Middle East region. It will conduct accurate research on security challenges from a Middle Eastern perspective and organise seminars, workshops, conferences to disseminate expert analyses.

ISNR 2024 Conference

The launch of RSDI took place during the ISNR 2024 conference at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Interior and Rabdan Academy.

With inputs from WAM