Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa visited the UAE and expressed pride in the strong relations between the leaderships and peoples of the two nations, and the shared commitment of His Majesty King Hamad and UAE President Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to advancing co-operation in the interests of both nations and peoples.
The minister reiterated Bahrain’s steadfast solidarity with the UAE and its full support for all legitimate measures undertaken to safeguard its sovereignty and protect its security and stability.
He also commended the high level of security co-ordination and co-operation between the two countries and their joint efforts to reinforce regional stability and safeguard international peace and security.
On the opening day of the Abu Dhabi Global Summit for Sustainable Security 2026, held under the patronage of Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the UAE, and held alongside the International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience (ISNR 2026), Gen Shaikh Rashid delivered the summit’s keynote opening address.
In his speech, the minister said the Arabian Gulf has become a pillar of global stability, with energy security, international trade, supply chains, and the global economy directly linked to the region’s stability. He emphasised that any tension in the Gulf extends beyond the region to affect international markets and societies, underscoring that Gulf stability has become an international necessity for protecting collective security.
He highlighted the experiences of Bahrain and the UAE in building sustainable security in a highly complex region through strategic long-term vision based on moderation, the rule of law, investment in people, and integration between security and development.
He added that both countries regard security as a shared responsibility involving institutions, legislation, society, and public awareness. The minister stressed that real security is achieved through strong institutions that reinforce societal trust and support regional and international stability.
Gen Shaikh Rashid described the Bahrain-UAE partnership as an extension of GCC cohesion and unity of destiny and integrated visions in addressing cross-border challenges.
The minister said that despite the complex conditions facing the region, Bahrain continues to adopt an approach based on wisdom and strengthened international co-operation in confronting threats in all their forms.
He also reviewed Bahrain’s experience in technology-driven governance and emergency management during periods of regional tension and conflict, noting that modern crisis management is no longer based on reaction alone, but on forecasting, proactive planning, data analysis, and institutional integration. He described Bahrain’s experience, in terms of indicators and measurable outcomes, as a successful model in this field.
The minister said the world requires stronger security partnerships, faster information exchange, and more flexible legal frameworks capable of keeping pace with digital crimes, cryptocurrencies, and complex cyber threats, particularly cross-border crimes. He also stressed the importance of integration between security and justice, noting that sustainable security cannot be achieved without effective justice, nor can justice be protected without professional security institutions.
The minister affirmed that Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty and with the support and follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, believes the future belongs to those who are more efficient, better prepared, more capable of building trust, and more invested in people, science, and technology.
On the sidelines of the summit, the minister toured the International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience (ISNR 2026) where he reviewed the latest technologies and equipment in the fields of security, safety, and crime prevention.
During the tour, the minister and Lt Gen Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the graduation ceremony of the specialised Child Protection Specialist training programme launched jointly by the interior ministries of Bahrain and the UAE. The programme aims to enhance the skills of security and professional personnel and develop their capabilities in dealing with children’s rights issues and providing a safe environment.
The minister also visited the pavilion of the Institute of Applied Technology, one of the UAE’s leading educational institutions providing high-quality technical education.