Egypt and Jordan are likely to be the first countries in the Arab world to pass cyber laws, with the UAE following, according to an expert.

It is imperative that all Arab countries formulate cyber laws fast, as crimes have started taking place in this part of the world.

"Cyber crimes have begun in a small way in the Arab countries. Therefore we must take precautions to fight such crimes by enacting proper laws and before it is too late," said Dr. Sami Khawaldeh, secretary general, Arab Centre for Criminological Studies and Research.

"The cyber crimes that have started to take place here are not big, or organised crimes as are found in Europe or the U.S., but that should not make Arab countries less active in fighting such crimes.

"Egypt and Jordan may pass cyber laws this year. These two countries have completed the work. The UAE has made a lot of progress."

Experts and bankers are taking part in the Arab Security Conference 2002 organised by ACCSR and Al Ain Advertising.

Lieutenant Colonel Matar Hamed Al Muhairy - representative of Major General Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Under Secretary of Ministry of Interior - delivered the opening address, which will discuss computer crimes, electronic piracy, electronic viruses, ways of proving crimes as also related issues.

The Amman-based centre has been helping some Arab countries formulate cyber laws.

Lauding the UAE for passing legislation to fight money laundering, Khawaldeh said just because a country has passed such a law it does not imply that money is laundered there.

"By passing such a law, the UAE is taking precautions especially after what happened since September 11. No doubt, money laundering is a big problem but it is fair to say that Arab countries are clean in this regard," he added.