Australian Government commends Emirates' efforts in border security

The award from the Secretary, Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship was presented by the Australian Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Jeremy Bruer, to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, to acknowledge the work by Emirates Group Security to safeguard the Australian borders

HH Sheikh Ahmed, upon receiving the award, said: 'It is an honour to receive this recognition from the Australian Government. The role played by airlines in border control is increasingly important and the recognition of the Australian government reflects this.'

He said he appreciated the support of the Australian government and private sector and commented that the relationship between the Australia and the UAE benefited both countries, not just from an airline point of view, but also the tourism and trade sectors.

HE Mr Bruer said: 'These presentations are recognition of the many years of outstanding cooperation and assistance provided by Emirates Airlines in ensuring the smooth flow of passengers to Australia.

'There is probably no relationship that has developed so substantially or so quickly as Australia and the UAE and that can be put down to one man and one organisation. His Highness is the man and Emirates is the airline.'

He commented that the relationship between the two countries started growing in 1996 with the launch of Emirates Airline's services to Melbourne, and then again in 2000 when services to Sydney commenced.

HE Mr Bruer called it a beneficial and important link that helped the nations develop relationships.

The depth of excellence in Emirates Group Security was further highlighted with two individual Secretary Citations to Group Security senior staff, Dr Abdulla Al Hashimi, Divisional Senior Vice President Group Security, and Zack Zainal, Vice President Group Security.

Responding to the recognition, Dr Al Hashimi commented: 'The development of a strong relationship between industry and states allow for airlines to develop a greater integrated approach to border control which facilitates passengers better.'

This recognition by the Australian government is not the first for Group Security in the realm of border enforcement.

In the past Group Security has been acknowledged by the UK Government and Canadian Government for their services to border security.