Earlier this month, Salford Business School’s Dr Mohammed Albakri, a cybersecurity expert and award winning researcher, was invited to deliver a talk on AI (artificial intelligence), big data, cybersecurity and sustainability to the Abu Dhabi Police.
The session addressed the critical challenges and opportunities facing governmental security organisations as they adapt to the AI revolution, emphasising the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and the exponential rise of digital data.
During the session, Mohammed highlighted the urgent need for innovative strategies and adaptive capabilities to ensure security and societal resilience in an interconnected world.
A key focus of the talk was the transformative role of AI and big data in global cybersecurity strategies and sustainability. Advanced tools, including biometric authentication, blockchain for data security, and IoT (internet of things)-enabled surveillance systems were explored as critical solutions to modern security challenges.
Mohammed’s talk reflects the organisation’s dedication to fostering partnerships between academic research and public security institutions to address complex digital challenges and embrace innovations that strengthen security, while mitigating emerging threats.
Abu Dhabi Police’s approach aligns with the United Arab Emirates’s (UAE) broader vision of leading in technological innovation, while ensuring societal resilience and public safety. Discussions during the talk underscored the evolution of digital security, including the nature of digital data, the power of digital technologies, and the dynamic cyber risk environment. These themes resonate globally but hold particular significance in the UAE, where AI integration, sustainability, and digital infrastructure drive economic growth and national development.
By prioritising AI-driven predictive analytics, machine learning models, and proactive strategies, Abu Dhabi Police exemplify innovation and agility, ensuring real-time threat detection and adaptive decision-making.
The key takeaway from Mohammed’s talk was the critical need for security institutions to embrace AI technology to develop a secure, adaptive ecosystem, enhance threat detection capabilities, and address risks like bias in algorithms and the growing AI skills divide.
Reflecting on his visit, Mohammed commmented: “The UAE’s ambition to align cutting-edge technology with societal progress, ensures a sustainable, secure future. Thank you to the Abu Dhabi Police and Major General Thani Butti Al Shamsi for the warm hospitality and the opportunity to contribute to such a prestigious institution.”