UAE gains access to Interpol's DNA data

Abu Dhabi: Interpol's DNA gateway has opened its doors to the UAE, after officials inked a DNA charter with Interpol on Thursday.

Through the charter, the UAE has gained access to the Interpol's international DNA database comprising of over 77,000 profiles from 48 countries worldwide. Also, it has become the first country in the Middle East to be granted the online access of the database.

According to Werner Schuller, assistant director of forensic support and specialised technical databases at Interpol's General Secretariat in France, only 23 countries amongst 187 members of Interpol have online access to the database.

Member countries may access the database manually by sending profiles over to Interpol but getting online access requires signing of the charter.

The agreement was signed between Schuller and Lieutenant Colonel Ali Al Khayyal, head of the Interpol at Abu Dhabi.

Al Khayyal said access to the database will enable Abu Dhabi Police to strengthen its efforts in fighting crime and enhancing security.

Meanwhile, senior officials said the UAE is to soon set up a national DNA database.