The only annual CBRNE conference and exhibition in the Middle East has taken place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 28-29 April at voco Hotel Riyadh. Welcoming approximately 400 delegates from across the Middle East and beyond, this seventh edition of NCT Middle East was the largest and highest-level edition of this unique event yet. NCT Middle East 2025 took place in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and General Directorate of Civil Defense of Saudi Arabia, and welcomed Emaan International Company as a diamond sponsor.
Taking place under the patronage of HRH Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud Al Saud, NCT Middle East 2025 was honored by the presence of the Vice Minister of Interior His Excellency Dr. Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood during the opening ceremony of the conference. His kind attendance at the opening of this unique event highlighted the strategic value and high-level engagement that define every NCT event.
Day One
The conference began in earnest with a VIP discussion session on the future of CBRNE defense and preparedness. Chaired by Dr. Zainab Alhussaini, Section Head of Emergency Medical Services at the Ministry of National Guard – Health Affairs, the discussion featured global CBRNE defense and international security experts including:
- Maj Gen Dr. Hamoud bin Suleiman Al-Faraj, Director General of General Directorate of Civil Defense of Saudi Arabia
- BG (Ret.) William King, Former Commanding General of the U.S. Army 20th CBRNE Command and Senior Fellow at Booz Allen Hamilton
- Dr. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Issa, CEO, Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission, Saudi Arabia
- H.E. Eng Ali bin Mohammed Al-Zahrani, Governor, High Commission for Industrial Security, Saudi Arabia
- LTG (Ret.) Chun In-bum, Senior Fellow for the Association of the United States Army, Republic of Korea
- Dr. Natividad Carpintero Santamaria, Secretary General, “Guillermo Velarde” Nuclear Fusion Institute, Spain
After the opening VIP discussion session, delegates were invited to explore the adjoining exhibition to learn about the latest innovations in CBRNE preparedness and defense from 30 local and international companies. With the highest number of delegates ever attending NCT Middle East, the exhibition floor was always busy and represented an industry-leading opportunity for public and private representatives to meet, network, and discuss future cooperation.
The conference continued throughout day one with scientific presentation sessions on CBRNE preparedness for high-visibility events, and integrated and medical responses to CBRNE emergencies. Speakers included representatives of important Saudi organizations such as Prince Naif University for Security Studies, the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission, and King Abdulaziz University for Science and Technology, as well as Dr. Natividad Carpintero from Spain and Dr. Zainab Alhussaini from Saudi Arabia. CEO of Emaan International Company, Mr. Mohammed Al Ibrahim, also addressed the conference.
Day Two
The second day of NCT Middle East 2025 began with a second VIP discussion session on the best strategies and practices for CBRNE threats, this time chaired by BG (Ret.) William King. Representatives joining the VIP discussion on day two included:
- Maj Gen Mubarak Al Qurashi, General Directorate of Civil Defense of Saudi Arabia
- Maj Gen Saud Al Shehri, Ministry of Defense of Saudi Arabia
- Brig Gen Dr Rashed Al Marri, Chairman, Gulf Cooperation Council Emergency Management Center
- Lt Col Andrew Teeton MBE, Military Advisor, Counter Explosive Ordnance & CBRN, UK Defence and Security Exports, United Kingdom
While delegates continued enjoyed the industry exhibition, the conference continued for the rest of the day with scientific presentation sessions on strengthening regulatory compliance through CBRN trainings, and the latest technologies and artificial intelligence in CBRN preparedness. Particularly noteworthy on day two was the strong international representation, with speakers from U.S. Central Command, Civil Defense Directorate of Jordan, United Kingdom Department of Business and Trade, and the Ukrainian company, ECOTEST.
Other organizations beyond the Ministry of Interior and General Directorate of Civil Defense that were represented at NCT Middle East 2025 included the Royal Saudi Land Forces, the Royal Saudi Air Force, Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia, Tawazun Council, Qatar Amiri Guard, United Kingdom Ministry of Defence, NATO, and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
The conference came to end with a presentation of recommendations and conclusions given by Maj Gen Abdullah Al Qarni of the General Directorate of Civil Defense, a speech of thanks given by President of NCT Consultants Ilja Bonsen, and closing remarks given by Dr. Hamoud bin Suleiman Al-Faraj.
Day Three: CBRN Capability Demonstration
NCT Middle East 2025 continued for a third day with a CBRN capability demonstration hosted by the General Directorate of Civil Defense at their headquarters north-east of Riyadh. The demonstration involved approximately 100 participants and dozens of rapid response units, including in detection, identification, hazardous materials management, and decontamination.
NCT Consultants extends a sincere and heartfelt thanks to Maj Gen Dr. Hamoud bin Suleiman Al-Faraj, the Ministry of Interior, and the General Directorate of Civil Defense for their outstanding support, cooperation, and enthusiasm in organizing such a successful NCT Middle East 2025. NCT Consultants looks forward to cooperating with you in the organization of future editions of NCT Middle East, the only joint CBRNE conference and exhibition in the region.
NCT Consultants
The NCT events and trainings are organized by NCT Consultants, a defense and security company with 12 years of international experience, based in Leiden, the Netherlands. The company contributes to warfighters’ and first responders’ missions and capabilities to counter the threats of weapons of mass destruction and mitigate their effects. NCT Consultants connects businesses, governments, and NGOs by providing knowledge and networking, training, and assisting in building global partner capacities and partnerships.
The flagship activities of NCT Consultants are the NCT annual events in Europe, the USA, South America, the Asia Pacific region, and the Middle East. Built on strong cooperation with government partners, the regional NCT events are the leading CBRNE, C-IED, EOD, and demining event series in the world with around 250-400 participants per edition.
NCT Consultants is present in three continents with companies based in the Netherlands, USA, and Singapore, and since October 2024 has a regional office in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
