Dubai: The UAE is still considering installing full-body scanners at its airports, Saif Al Suwaidi, director general of the General Civil Aviation Authority, said yesterday.
Although no instructions have been received from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) making it mandatory to introduce the machines, a special committee has been set up to study the technical, social and religious aspects of such a move, Al Suwaidi said, speaking after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Police.
The MoU, which provides for training cooperation, was signed by Major General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police, and Al Suwaidi.
"Although the latest full-body scanners apply a technology that blacks out sensitive parts of the body even from the person monitoring the scanner, the UAE follows the better practice, which is in line with religious and traditional values," Maj Gen Al Mazeina said.
Earlier stand
The possibility of using the controversial full-body scanners was ruled out by the Dubai Airport Authority in July last year apparently on the grounds that it was considered a violation of privacy.
About the MoU, Maj Gen Al Mazeina said the General Civil Aviation Authority is a main partner in all fields, especially training, as Dubai Police run a regional centre to train airport staff, namely the Dubai Aviation Security Centre (DASC).
Al Suwaidi said DASC is a regional centre and one of a few around the world. It includes complete infrastructure and a highly qualified training cadre who are often asked to extend help to the ICAO.
"As one of the key players in this field, the UAE's obligations include offering technical and training help to other countries to allow them to improve their safety and security teams," Al Suwaidi said.
Training partnership
The agreement regulates scholarships given to students from different countries to upgrade their aviation security systems, Al Suwaidi said, adding that more than 100 scholarships have been given so far as part of this programme.
"Training includes inspection, dealing with passengers, using the latest airport security equipment and being time-efficient while doing so," he added.
Al Suwaidi said the experience gained by Dubai Police when they intercepted packages containing explosives that were destined for Yemen in October, enabled police experts to conduct training courses in Yemen about how to deal with similar situations.
