Friday, Nov 30, 2012

Dubai: The core task for the General Department for Airport Security at Dubai Police is to keep Dubais airports safe, inspect and ensure security at each and every area at Dubai International airport and safeguard the well being of those who are using the airport.

Since it was opened for service in 1960, Dubai Airport has been rapid development on all levels, said Major General Pilot Ahmad Mohammad Bin Thani, Director of the General Department for Airport Security at Dubai Police.

Speaking to Gulf News, Major General Bin Thani said the security of the airport was monotired by the international Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) which, in turn, had strict specifications for airport security and Dubai Airport was rigidly enforcing these demands.

Since he assumed office as deputy director of airport securities in 2000, General Bin Thani has been following up and monitoring each and every single detail at the airport; its development; expansion; number of travelers; staff; buildings; and every single individual feature at the airport to ensure safety, security and comfort.

The airport security staff are trained on how to deal with the public. They have an open mind, he said.

More than 115 airlines operate through Dubai airport - there are scheduled flights and non-scheduled ones, in addition to the fleet of Emirates Airlines which has in excess of 186 departures and arrivals daily, as well as flyDubai. There is also the aircraft catering which provides 135,000 meals for travellers who go through the airports daily. We have to ensure their safety and security as well.

Emphasising that Dubai Airport Security was a key partner with all airports in Dubai as well as with the Civil Aviation Authorities in a bid to provide the highest standard of service.

He added that there were in excess of 23 radiation detection systems, to ensure full and error free protection for all.

We are keen on securing passenger traffic, and provide them with various services and maintain order in all building facilities at the airport, to overcome any kind of obstacle. We also facilitate procedures for all airport users, he said.

Bin Thani added that security personnel spared no effort to ensure that travellers were inconvenienced during stopovers and were guided from one point to another, as well as offered accurate information if they needed it. According to Gen. Bin Thani, Dubai Airport possesses the best inspection devices in the world. There are customs officers, and airport security who have extensive experience in their field and this enables them to detect any prohibited materials. He pointed out that the increase in seizures of smuggled drugs illustrates the capabilities of the customs staff and their ability to apprehend smugglers.

The airport also has facilities for detecting explosives, as well as machines that are capable of detecting objects that an individual could carry inside their bodies. The aim was to ensure 100 percent security of flights and there were more than 400 inspection systems in the three buildings, the Cargo Village, free zone, flight catering and Customs Department.

We have three massive buildings - terminal 1, 2,3 and the cargo building. We have to plan our resources in a way so as to get maximum results in terms of security. Our forces are constantly alert and ready to swing into action, said Gen. Bin Thani. He added that there was an increase in travel during the Dubai Shopping Festival, the Haj season, Dubai air show and other events.

Al Maktoum airport is equipped to accommodate in excess of five million passengers a year. It will soon be opened to passengers. It is currently operating cargo given its proximity to the Jebel Ali Free Zone. Emirates airlines has increased its fleet and Dubai airport is the hub of flight movement. The airport will be on part with the best in terms of services offered, endorsed Gen. Bin Thani.

The Concourse 3 building at Terminal 2, which is scheduled to open in the beginning of January, is almost ready and security personnel have undergone specialized training courses at the regional centre for airport security training in Dubai based on the standards stipulated by the ICAO.

The Dubai Centre for Civil Aviation Security is the regional office in the Middle East and it conducts specialized training courses for airport security staff and it is open to trainees from the Middle East.

The courses are delivered in English, French, Arabic, Russian and Chinese, said Gen Bin Thani. Training in operating inspection machines, airport security, training in mail and cargo and other course in dealing with airports security is also offered, he said. Team work is thus important, emphasizes Gen. Bin Thani. We are at the service of the public and to serve travellers and ensure the security of the people, airports and air planes.

In keeping with their service orientated role, the Dubai Police Security forces at the airport also changed the colour of their uniform in 2004. They have opted for a dark blue colour with the police logo.

We want people to feel comfortable. There is no need for wearing a military uniform when dealing with travelers, said Gen. Bin Thani. A total number of 120,000 employees, who deal with a staggering volume of passengers, are coordinated towards this course of action.

By Bassma Al Jandaly Senior Reporter

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