Lebanon’s first ever security exhibition, the Security Middle East Show (SMES), was successfully held at Biel in Beirut April 20-22, 2009, under the patronage of Lebanese President General Michel Sleiman. Some 55 exhibitors representing 85 regional and international defense and security companies from 12 countries took part in SMES. Interior Minister Ziad Baroud represented President Sleiman in the inauguration ceremony that was attended by Minister of State Joseph Takla representing the Prime Minister, and the director of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) Major General Ashraf Rifi, and Brig. Gen. Ahmed Mekdad representing Lebanese Army Commander General Jean Kahwaji, and a big lineup of senior police and military officials as well as diplomats.

SMES covered internal security, border control, structure and infrastructure security and counter terrorism. The Lebanese Army’s Marine Commandos and the ISF commandos carried out exercises with live ammunition on the sideline of the Show that was attended by nearly 10,000 people. SMES was opened with a half-day conference that featured speakers from the Interpol, Jordanian Public Security and Italian defense industries. The Show captured strong media coverage - locally, regionally and internationally – occupying a major spot on the news for three days. At least a dozen exhibitors committed themselves to a large space in the next edition of SMES that will take place in the spring of 2011. SMES enjoys the full backing of the ISF and the Lebanese Army.