Dubai could be global model for transport security, says international expert

Dominique R Antonini, Chief of the Aviation Security Section, International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), said: "We are creating a regional security plan with Dubai and the United Arab Emirates as a model for the region, which we believe could be used worldwide.

"Dubai has developed remarkable security synergies between the aviation and maritime sector with a strong spirit of co-operation spanning government agencies, operators and everyone involved in transport.

"That is one of the reason we are here supporting this conference."

The ICAO, the world governing body responsible for the standardization of international civil aviation worldwide, is currently developing a regional security plan and has appointed Jalal Haider, who outlined strategy to delegates, as its Middle East & Africa Regional Officer

Mohammed Ahli, Director of Operations, Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai welcomed more than 300 global security experts and regional transport delegates to the conference.

He said: "Security is a global issue. It is not something we can achieve in isolation. This conference, I am confident, will help achieve the highest security standards by the exchange of views and co-operation.

"Here in Dubai we have deployed the latest security technology, including eye scans, and taken a lead to ensure that passengers and baggage are carefully screened so nothing dangerous gets into the airport."

Major General Dhahi Khalfan, Commander in Chief, Dubai Police, said the emirate was an oasis of safety, created by working with international bodies and meeting global standards, but warned continuous effort was necessary to maintain and improve security.

He said: "What is happening in Dubai is remarkable. The country is experiencing incredible growth in tourism and construction and that means more passengers and goods at our airports and ports.

"We face a major challenge to ensure a feeling of safety wherever we are and this conference is a key forum to make certain that transport security moves forward to face any future global threats."

In the wake of the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers in New York, International Business Events Ltd (IBE) organised the firsts APTS conference in London.

David Wood, Managing Director, IBE, said: "Terrorism is an international issue, not confined to one country or one region and it is a threat that does not appear to be going away. Transport infrastructure, both aviation and maritime, remain global targets.

"We have brought this conference to the Middle East so security and law enforcement professionals can share experience and develop strategy for the challenges facing regional airport, port and transport terminals."

Speakers at tomorrow's session include Ahmad AL Hadabi, Director Flight and Safety and Security, General Civil Aviation Authority, David Tiedge, International Affairs, US Department of Homeland Security and Lt. Col. Mohammed Jassim Al Zaabi, Head of Security Auditing UAE Seaports.

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 event runs at the Grand Hyatt until tomorrow (Tuesday, March 15) when the exhibition will be open to trade visitors and security professionals. Conference timings are from 9.00 am to 5.45 pm.

The main supporters of APTS Middle East 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 Ports Authority, Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai; Dubai Shipping Agents Association (DSAA); UK Trade and Investment; Royal Aeronautical Society, UK; British Airports Group and Ports and Terminals Group, UK.