Charles Sturt University (CSU) academics and students were among more than 700 police and security experts from 20 countries who attended a major international policing and security conference in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last week.

Personnel from the CSU Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security and the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies were joint organisers of the 'Global Challenges, Local Solutions' Policing and Security Conference in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 November.

This was the first time this biennial event was held overseas following the success of the inaugural conference organised by CSU and the NSW Police Force in Sydney in 2013. CSU assisted to present the conference in association the UAE Ministry of Interior, and with Rabdan Academy in Abu Dhabi which provides world-class education and training for policing, safety and security professionals.

Professor Tracey Green (pictured, front centre), a former senior police officer and now Executive Dean of the CSU Faculty of Arts, said conferences such as this play a vital role in the development of policing and security personnel and cooperative networks that assist international policing.

"The conference aimed to promote a better understanding of safety and security challenges around the world. It provided a platform for experts and practitioners to discuss innovation and excellence in policing, police education, development and research," Professor Green said.

"It was an amazing event and a wonderful opportunity for nine Charles Sturt University students to experience both the UAE and innovation in policing and security.

"The students met very senior policing and security experts, and had the opportunity to present their work at the conference.

"Rabdan Academy is to be congratulated for hosting such a successful event, and it is amazing to see the level of investment and commitment to education and research for law enforcement in the region."

CSU staff were also highly prominent throughout the conference. Professor Green presented opening and closing addresses alongside Dr Faisal Obaid Al Ayyan, Executive Vice President at Rabdan Academy. Special guest speakers at the conference include Canadian Senator Vern White (pictured), a former Chief of the Ottawa Police Service and a Professor at CSU who delivered a key note address. Deputy Commissioner Nick Kaldas from CSU's partner the NSW Police Force also delivered a keynote address, along with other adjunct staff and partners from around the world.

Rabdan Academy's Executive Vice President Dr Faisal Obaid Al Ayyan said, "Rabdan Academy was proud to host the Policing and Security Conference in association with Charles Sturt University and with its strategic partners, the UAE Ministry of Interior and Abu Dhabi Police."

He noted that local and international participants gained valuable insights into innovation and excellence in policing and security, as well as having the opportunity to experience the exceptional culture and hospitality of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

The 'Global Challenges, Local Solutions' Policing and Security Conference was held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 November.