Communities stay safest when countries share ideas and learn from one another. That spirit was clear in Dubai on Friday 16 October, when ambassadors, consuls, senior law enforcement officials and technology leaders gathered for a preparatory dialogue ahead of the World Police Summit. The session examined how artificial intelligence, intelligence-led policing, and the fight against financial crime can work together, and it offered a warm preview of what visitors can expect next month.
The Dialogue in Brief
The preparatory session was held at the Dubai Police Officers’ Club. It was titled “Technology and Intelligence in Modern Policing: AI, Innovation and Anti-Money Laundering,” and it explored how AI and emerging technologies are changing criminal investigations and supporting real-time decision-making. Discussions also covered how technology and intelligence can help identify financial crime, disrupt illicit networks and build partnerships that turn innovation into more effective policing.
Diplomatic representatives from 13 countries attended: Albania, Belarus, China, the Czech Republic, El Salvador, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Sweden and Tajikistan. Senior law enforcement representatives from the United States and the United Kingdom also joined UAE officials and technology leaders. The dialogue marked the countdown to the fifth edition of the World Police Summit.
The Main Event at a Glance
The fifth edition of the World Police Summit will take place from 16 to 18 November at Dubai World Trade Centre. Key details include:
- Theme: “Connected for Impact: Uniting Global Policing to Safeguard Future Generations”
- Patronage: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai
- Organisers: Dubai Police, in partnership with DXB LIVE
- Audience: police chiefs, policymakers, international organisations, security experts and technology providers from around the world
Numbers Worth Appreciating
Colonel Dr Rashid Hamdan Al Ghafri, Secretary-General of the World Police Summit, said the many nations represented at the dialogue were an early sign of what November will bring. Expectations include:
- More than 90 countries taking part
- Over 220 leaders from law enforcement, the private sector and academia sharing a platform
- Around 150 exhibitors showcasing technologies and highlighting public-private partnerships
The previous summit drew participants from more than 110 countries. In 2025, the event welcomed more than 922 global leaders, officials and experts.
How AI Can Help Spot Financial Crime
Dr Adel Alsharji, Chief Operating Officer of Presight, said financial crime crosses borders, systems and institutions, so connected, intelligence-led responses are essential. He explained that his company applies AI and agentic capabilities to turn complex data into trusted, actionable intelligence, helping law enforcement identify patterns earlier, coordinate decisions and disrupt illicit networks. Presight looks forward to showing its applied intelligence systems at the summit.
Digital and Physical Security Go Together
Russel Hammad, Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Technologies, said effective security built around AI depends on interoperability between command centres and officers on patrol. He noted that digital crime always has a physical footprint, and that the field operative at the last mile of a distant road is often the one who helps resolve a global investigation into money laundering or related crimes. In his words, digital and physical security are no longer separate disciplines.
A New Meeting Point for Global Partners
The November summit will introduce an International Organisations Pavilion on the exhibition floor at Dubai World Trade Centre, led by GCCPOL. According to Afroz Abbo, Project Director of the event, it will bring together around 14 organisations. Among those named were ASEANAPOL, CARICOM, the GCC Criminal Information Center to Combat Drugs and CARICC.
Abbo said exhibitors from the private sector, start-ups and academia had shown interest in connecting with government entities, and the pavilion is meant to make those links easier by bringing everyone together in one place. A World Police Summit app, due to launch soon, will let visitors schedule meetings in advance and plan their three days.
Why This Gathering Deserves Appreciation
The World Police Summit deserves appreciation for several reasons:
- It brings countries together to share ideas and strengthen cooperation
- It looks at how AI can support investigators, not replace the people on the ground
- It makes room for start-ups and academia alongside governments and large companies
- The new International Organisations Pavilion helps international groups connect in one place
Conclusion
The preparatory dialogue shows that the World Police Summit is shaping up to be a thoughtful meeting of minds, where technology, cooperation and practical experience come together to make communities safer. It is encouraging to see so many countries ready to talk and learn side by side.
If your organisation wants guidance on using AI responsibly to improve security and decision-making, Horizontal8 is here to help. Reach out to Horizontal8 today, and let’s talk about your next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the summit?Â
The fifth edition runs from 16 to 18 November at Dubai World Trade Centre.
What is this year’s theme?Â
The theme is “Connected for Impact: Uniting Global Policing to Safeguard Future Generations.”
Who is organising it?Â
It is organised by Dubai Police in partnership with DXB LIVE, under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
How many countries and exhibitors are expected?Â
More than 90 countries and around 150 exhibitors are expected, with over 220 leaders taking part.
What is new this year?Â
A new pavilion for international organisations will be introduced, and a summit app will help visitors schedule meetings in advance.