Tight security for air show
Police announce measures to keep people and property safe
Dubai: Security will be tight to keep visitors and dignitaries safe at the Dubai Airshow 2009, a top security officer told Gulf News.
Dubai Police have announced measures to protect people and assets worth billions during the event, running from November 15 to 19.
Major General Mohammad Eid Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department of Protective Security and Emergency Department at Dubai Police, who is also the head of the Security Committee of the air show, said: "Dubai authorities, with their highly trained men, will be on standby for the worst-case scenario.
"Our core mission is to save lives and protect assets. Our team is required to be on duty round the clock.
"There are agents on standby ready for deployment on short notice.
"Dubai is a safe place. There are no suicide bombers or booby-trapped vehicles here. I have confidence in our men."
Two control rooms, 68 surveillance cameras, four raid teams, snipers, two Swat teams and 1,415 police officers will be deployed during the event.
The team deployed to secure the air show is composed of 1,343 male and 72 female police officers.
Monitoring
The teams are stationed around the location. All gates and halls, in addition to the aircraft aprons, are monitored round the clock.
The location is divided into points. Each point is headed by an officer, a deputy and several policemen in addition to CID and state security agents in civilian clothes.
Al Mansouri said: "All are well trained in rifle marksmanship, urban sniper operations, tactical negotiations, hostage rescue, close quarter combat, high-risk warrant service, VIP security and transportation of dangerous people in custody."
Moreover, the security committee usually formulates two tactical and operational plans based on the mission's objective, ground situation and data gathered.
"We have a plan A, a plan B for evacuation and to foil VIP attacks. The agents are experts in rescue, arrest and typical hostage-rescue missions, in addition to explosive detection."
Five helicopters from the air wing, police cars, armoured vehicles and motorbikes will be on standby. Two Swat teams make up the first line of defence. They are all physically fit and well trained in weapons-handling skills.
Opening hours of the Dubai Airshow: Sun 15th Nov 10:00-17:30, Mon 16th-Thu 19th Nov 9:00-17:30.
Public cautioned
Recently a big traffic accident took place when the driver of a vehicle suddenly braked in the middle of the road to watch the Dubai Metro train. Al Mansouri asked the public to be more aware and not to be taken by the air shows while they are driving, as this may lead to accidents and traffic congestion.
About the Security Committee of Dubai:
- Set up in 2008 to secure all Dubai events, exhibitions and festivals
- Headed by Major General Mohammad Eid Al Mansouri, who has more than 35 years of experience in policing. Currently he is also the director of the General Department of Protective Security and Emergency.
- Fixed members: Police, RTA, Civil Defence, Dubai Municipality. Other government organisations could also cooperate depending on the type of event.
Female security team:
Female police team has a key role in all missions, Al Mansouri said. "They are the pioneers in our security team. Their job is inspection but they are also required to protect female VIPs. I am proud of this well-trained female team that can be assembled at a short notice to handle a security mission. They work hand-in-hand with their male counterparts," Al Mansouri said.
Airport awarded
The Airports Council International awarded Abu Dhabi International Airport the first position among six airports in the Middle East in terms of services and security.
The council evaluated quality standards of all airports in the third quarter of this year.
