ABU DHABI -- The hi-tech e-Gate project will be launched at all airports in the country to allow passengers fast access through electronically-controlled gates, Lieutenant-General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior, has said.
The first phase of the revolutionary project would be implemented at all airports in the country, said Lt-Gen. Shaikh Saif, adding that the second phase will cover all entry points.
"The interior ministry is trying through implementing this long-term security perspective to employ the latest technology and train human cadres to upgrade security performance to completely shift to e-Government through integrated systems linking all the country," he said.
He said the federal e-link, which has been launched recently was a giant step on the road to achieve our future outlook. "The ministry and the police institutions in the country are fully aware of the importance of the modernisation process which knows no limits at this age that sees rapid changes and developments specially in terms of security. The introduction of the e-Gate project is also part of the comprehensive security strategy of the ministry," he said.
The minister said the e-link would pave the way for unique and hi-tech projects which would place the country at par with the world's most advanced countries. "The e-Gate project at the country's airports is a pioneering step that will ensure a smooth flow of passengers travelling via our airports and help facilitate the procedures as the country has become a global tourist destination," he said.
He pointed out that all projects implemented by the ministry were subject to experimentation and re-evaluation so that they achieve the goals before they are implemented at the federal level.
He said the e-gate project had been experimented at the Dubai International Airport. "Since it was introduced a couple of years ago, it has been under re-evaluation. It has been concluded that the system is excellent in view of its high accuracy from a security point of view and its security features which help lift the pressure on staff especially at the peak hours and facilitate procedures for travellers," he said, adding: "In addition, the system has hi-tech security features which prevent human errors, besides being user-friendly with its simple operating steps through which finger prints can be matched and blacklisted names checked."
The project was introduced at the Dubai International Airport to begin passenger registration for e-Gate usage in August 2002. The Dubai Airport was third in the world, and first in Middle East to install such an advanced passenger clearance system that considerably accelerates the movement of traffic through electronic screening of passengers' data with the help of a smart card.
A registration office has been opened at the airport to allow passengers to complete the formalities required for acquiring a smart card to gain instant electronic access to the airport. The process requires users to show their original passports and complete simple procedures that include finger printing and photography. Once registered, they will be supplied with a smart card that carries all the relevant information about the holder. The whole system is linked to a central monitoring unit that controls all the operations.
The electronically operated gates are designed to ensure quick passenger clearance by utilising a smart card. In order to obtain the smart card, passengers need to be above 17 years of age. They can register at the airport by providing the original passport and a passport size photograph.
The finger printing identification is the most significant aspect of the system, as it ensures that a person can enrol just once in the database. The smart card, which costs Dh150, is valid for a period of two years and can be collected within 10 minutes after registration.
The electronic gate facility is available alongside the conventional manually operated gates, giving passengers an option to use either of the gates. Those using the smart cards, however, get detailed instructions at every step.By Muawia E. Ibrahim
© Khaleej Times 2005
