Abu Dhabi Customs further strengthens its comprehensive security systems

The new contract compliments Abu Dhabi Customs ongoing efforts to facilitate trade and ensure the protection of the borders and citizens in Abu Dhabi and the UAE in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Finance.

This is the second security and screening agreement signed recently by the Abu Dhabi Customs which strives to facilitate trade and ensure the protection of the borders and citizens in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. In July 2009, Abu Dhabi Customs unveiled a $8.6m deal with American Science and Engineering, Inc (AS&E) to introduce multiple Z-portal X-ray screening systems at strategic border checkpoints in the Emirate.

Multiple Rapiscan scanning systems are to be deployed across Customs centres in Abu Dhabi, including airports at Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, a seaport at Mussafah, major post offices, and a number of border Customs centres. The systems will be used to help Abu Dhabi Customs detect concealed potential security threats, contraband and smuggled items and to help enforce Customs regulations.

H.H Sheikh Mohammad Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Department of Finance which oversees Abu Dhabi Customs, said:

"It is our vision to be amongst the top five governments in the world and from that perspective we have been continuously developing our financial frameworks and policies, and our Customs operations to facilitate trade and protect our borders and citizens."

"We live in an age of growing global commerce and increasingly complex and demanding security and customs enforcement requirements. And as one of the leading commercial hubs in the Arabian Gulf region, we are well aware of the need to stay up-to-date with the latest security and screening technologies. With the help of our select partners we aim to create a comprehensive approach to all our screening requirements." he added.

Saeed Ahmed Abdullah Al Muhari, Director General of Abu Dhabi General Administration of Customs added: "The new agreement will provide advanced and flexible screening systems to meet Abu Dhabi's mobile inspection, air cargo screening and baggage scanning requirements. We are continuously striving to enhance security systems at the various checkpoints in the Emirate and facilitate import/ export procedures."

The contract calls for Rapiscan Systems to provide an integrated Customs screening solution that leverages Rapiscan's broad product range and high-performance transmission X-ray technology. Rapiscan's proprietary transmission X-ray technologies are capable of detecting shielded threats in densely packed cargo containers or baggage while offering operators unsurpassed image quality for rapid detection of potential threats.

The company is one of a select number of firms to be certified under the US Safety Act and was recently awarded the Queen's Award by the UK government and Homeland Security Firm of the Year by Frost & Sullivan.

Ajay Mehra, Rapiscan Systems President, commented: "This contract is an important milestone for Rapiscan, as it combines multiple screening systems for cargo, mobile inspection and aviation security that offer industry leading image quality and throughput, while maintaining the comprehensive threat detection that our product line is known for."