‘Security is key to nations’ growth and prosperity’

Security is essential for the growth and prosperity of nations, said Gen. Saeed Al-Qahtani, director of Public Security, at the opening ceremony of the Sixth International Conference and Exhibition for Industrial Security (ICEIS) on Sunday night.
The bounties that the Kingdom enjoys, he said, is due to the environment of security in which both citizens and expats live and work across the Kingdom.
Al-Qahtani, who was speaking on behalf of Interior Minister Prince Mohammad bin Naif, noted that security is the first pillar of development and also the prime mover for any economy and a ladder for the rise of a renaissance.
The three-day event, organized by the Higher Commission for Industrial Security (HCIS) in collaboration with the exhibition IFSEC & OSH Arabia, will showcase the latest technology and solutions in security and prevention with the participation of more than 100 companies representing 15 countries.
“People who live in fear will not be able to think productively as they will still be in the pursuit of security,” said Al-Qahtani.
He pointed out that industrial safety is an integral part of national security.
He added that security keeps and maintains its economic achievements, service facilities and petroleum and plays a great role in public security.
The official said that it has fulfilled its duties in all the three areas of responsibility: Security, safety and fire protection, and that it has led a regulatory role over the past years.
HCIS’s Secretary-General Khalid bin Saad Al-Aqeel said that recent challenges have surfaced requiring additional security measures to be taken under the direction of the Ministry of Interior.
“We have completed security enhancement measures in light of risk assessments performed at these facilities to protect vital installations from any potential danger.”
He continued: “We see remarkable and healthy growth in the size of this international event, with exhibitors and participants traveling to the Kingdom from all over the world.”
“Saudi Arabia’s leadership has established the HCIS in recognition of the vital importance of its industries and petroleum facilities,” he said.
Government figures and senior executives from the public and private sector, in addition to foreign country representatives, will address the sessions, which will begin Monday morning at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC).
The event is aimed at examining the latest offerings from the security sector, as well as cost-effective solutions for public needs.