‘Development in transport sector calls for greater security measures’

dubai — The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) Security Committee meeting kicked off on Monday morning, for the first time in the Middle East, under the patronage of LtGeneral Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai.

The meeting, organised by the Dubai Police’s General Department of Transport Security, will continue till April 24.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Major-General Talal Belhoul, director-general of the State Security Service in Dubai; Major-General Awad Al Muhairi, assistant commander-in-chief of the Dubai Police; Jean Politik, chairman of the UITP Security Committee and a number of senior officers.

Lt-Gen Dhahi Khalfan noted that the meeting was a groundbreaking one for the security industry. “Rapid changes in the security field are bringing significant challenges for security forces. Due to the technological revolution in the past decade, security had gone beyond its traditional definition. Artificial intelligence (AI), IT, cyber security and surveillance systems have become important tools for any security force,” he said.

From managing security operations through control rooms and mobile devices such as telephones and computers, the emphasis has switched to protecting personal data and information and in turn, that of the larger community’s.

Lt-Gen Dhahi Khalfan said: “The topic of transport security has become an urgent matter today, especially with the great development witnessed by the transport sector in the world in general and in the UAE in particular. This meeting is an opportunity to benefit from the experiences

Due to the technological revolution in the past decade, security had gone beyond its traditional definition.” Lt-Gen Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security, Dubai

and ideas on the latest systems and technologies in transport and communications.”

Transport and communications infrastructure in several countries have been targeted by terrorist strikes in the past two decades, especially public transport like railways, metro and train stations. For terrorist organisations, these hits are highly important because of the human loss and material damage involved, besides its long-lasting psychological effect and public fear it creates.

Therefore, it’s necessary to secure transportation means, develop early warning systems for potential attacks, and urgent response to terrorist incidents and emergencies. “We are not immune from any potential terrorist schemes that may harm our interests, so this meeting will put together the necessary plans and studies on transport and communications security in our countries,” he said.

Colonel Obaid Al Hathboor, director of the General Department of Transport Security, welcomed the decision makers and experts in the transportation sector. He noted that zero crime was achieved per million users in the crime index for the year 2017, in the transport sector.

“Under the light of the challenges, we have increased our readiness and security capacity by 100 per cent for potential disasters,” said Col Al Hathboor. “The application of global best practices used and addressing international issues of common concern — amidst the security challenges facing the transport sector — in the belief that it will help us to anticipate opportunities and challenges.”

The meeting also includes a visit to the site of the Expo 2020 project and the unified control cenre of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

crime per million users in transport sector in the UAE last year