Police VIP protection unit completes training

The VIP Protection Unit has completed a gruelling training session as part of preparations for Dubai 2003.

The training, which focused on driving while under attack, was supervised by experts from Switzerland.

A high level of expertise is considered vital, as those attending the event will include heads of state, finance ministers and central bank chiefs, in addition to business and finance leaders, said Major General Abdul Aziz Al Bannai, Director of the General Department for Emergency and Establishments at Dubai Police.

Maj Gen Al Bannai is also in charge of security for the 58th annual meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to be held in Dubai in September.

To wrap up the training course, the 12 participants put on a show in front of the Dubai Trade Centre to display the skills they learnt.

Spectators were treated to a real life situation where the bodyguards come under attack. The live demonstration had a convoy carrying a VIP come under fire.

In one of the scenes, the attacking vehicles crashed into the convoy while in the other they had to face the danger of a sniper.

On the occasion Maj Gen Al Bannai pointed out Dubai Police have trained their personnel to deal with any disturbances and they have provided them with the latest equipment.

"We have trained them in VIP protection, riot control, sniper fire and how to deal with hostage situations as part of their rehabilitation," he said.

He said Dubai 2003 anticipates that 20,000 visitors will gather in Dubai for the meetings that are being held for the 58th time.

"It is the first time that the annual meetings are hosted by any Arab city and that is an honour for Dubai," he said. The event will also highlight the potential of the UAE and the region to attract foreign investment.

"Dubai 2003 is the biggest and most significant financial event to ever take place in the region. For two weeks, the UAE will effectively be transformed into the head office of the world's financial arena," he said.

He pointed out that Dubai Police have been preparing for this event, and the organisers are happy with the level of security available in the emirate.