APTS Middle East to go annual

The overwhelming response to the inaugural event has prompted the move according to Michael Costain, Project Director, APTS ME, which will be held from March 14 - 15 at the Grand Hyatt in Dubai.

"Security professionals from all over the world are increasingly co-operating on many levels to ensure the safety of passengers and cargo.

"Economically the Middle East is among the fastest growing regions in the world with huge investments in airports and ports and it is imperative that these have the necessary security infrastructure to safeguard these facilities.

"APTS ME is an attempt at bringing security solutions' providers, key decision-makers and industry professionals to discuss the future of aviation and maritime security."

High-ranking delegates from over 28 countries have pre-registered for the conference. Registrations for the event have come from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Holland, France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Sweden, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Sudan, Djibouti, Seychelles, Mauritius, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Iran and the UAE.

"The importance of the event is underscored by the presence of David Huzienga, Deputy Assistant Secretary, National Nuclear Security Administration, United States of America who is among the delegates attending. He is also the Director of the Office of International Material Protection and Co-operation (MPC&A)," said Costain.

The MPC&A is responsible for reducing the threat to US national security by working with Russian experts to secure nuclear weapons and weapons-usable nuclear materials in Russia, the former Soviet Union, and other countries of concern and enhancing the detection of illicit trafficking of nuclear and radiological materials worldwide.

The APTS ME conference will have two streams one dedicated to Aviation Security and the other Maritime Security.

Topics to be covered by the Aviation Security stream include Identifying the Biggest Threats to Airport and Airline Security in the Middle East; Achieving Effective Aviation Security in the Middle East; Effectively Managing Security in High Volume Airport Terminals; Improving Security for Workers and Customers at Airports and Ports among others.

Zack Zainal, Senior Security Manager, Emirates Security Group and Chairman of the Aviation security stream said the fact that the event was being held in Dubai reflected the importance the city placed on the integration of security with business and facilitation.

The Maritime security stream will include topics on Achieving World Class Port and Ship Security: International Co-operation Needed to Ensure a Seamless Approach to Maritime Security; Improving Maritime Security Internationally - Recent Developments in Supply Chain Security Tests and Why Smart Containers May Not be So Smart; and Maritime Security and Next Steps Needed; An International Shipping Liner's Perspective.

Capt. Duncan McKelvie, Chairman, Nautical Institute (UAE branch) said: "Over 90% of the world's trade is carried by sea. The volume is growing and will continue to do so. Stringent security checks must be balanced by common sense to avoid total disruption of world trade - the most vital links in the chain are those controlled by ports.

"The conference will make a difference if it raises awareness about maritime security and discusses improvements to the ISPS code."

The APTS exhibition has attracted companies from the United Kingdom, United States of America, Ireland, France, China and Singapore.

APTS ME will be followed by a special seminar hosted by The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) on March 16. The seminar will discuss greater awareness of the importance of security in civil aviation today and its impact on the international aviation economy.

The Montreal-based ICAO is the world governing body responsible for the standardisation of international civil aviation worldwide. The worldwide harmonisation of ICAO standards is an essential part of its work.

The main supporters of APTS ME are the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and Dubai Ports Authority.

Other supporters include the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Arab Air Carriers Organisation (AACO); Dubai Shipping Agents Association (DSAA); UK Trade and Investment; Royal Aeronautical Society, UK; British Airports Group and Ports and Terminals Group, UK.