Issued by the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs-Dubai
www.manafezdubai.com
Issue 27 September - October
2016
10 million passengers screened through ABC eGates in Australia
Protect your data and privacy when you travel
Humanoid robots to assist passengers
UAE travelers prefer self-service at the airport
Emirates ID can be used at airport smart gate
A new procedure that enables applicants complete their submissions without visiting any of GDRFAD centers
Ensuring the welfare and happiness of customers
You will receive an SMS from GDRFAD confirming receipt of your application. Visit the Typing Center that suits your needs in terms of proximity and quality of services.
Submit and receive your applications with convenience Your journey starts and ends at the same place. Visit the closest typing center to you to submit and complete your application without visiting any of GDRFAD centers.
You can also use and apply through the mobile app and enquire about all necessary documents by selecting the user guide.
For clarifications, get in touch with us at:
Engineered and powered by
Available on app stores. Search for GDRFAD or scan the QR code
You will receive a second SMS from GDRFAD about completing your application and confirming your delivery location.
Welcome Message
Another achievement
A
viation sector in UAE has another achievement to its credit as we implemented the use of Emirates ID for the Smart Gate system at Dubai International Airport, in line with the vision of our leadership to enhance the culture of smart travel. With the activation of this facility, UAE residents can pass through passport control counters at Terminal 3 using their Emirates ID and can complete their passport control procedures within seconds. We have received a highly positive feedback from the passengers for this facility and it is being preferred by both UAE citizens and expats, as it has made travelling procedures easier and faster for them. At the GDRFA Dubai, enhancing passenger experience and making the procedures smoother, is our top priority and all our efforts are directed toward this with a view to achieve the vision of our leader His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to ensure happiness of passengers and make the Dubai airport the world’s best airports in all areas. Our officers and employees are committed to ensure the best experience for the passengers and have been giving their best efforts toward this.
Implementing this service required strong team efforts from General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, Emirates ID Authority and Dubai Airports and also included interlinking the systems of GDRFA Dubai and Emirates ID from security and operative aspects. At the same time, we ensured that security standards and regulations were met while we implemented this facility. I must emphasise that this new achievement would not have been possible without the close cooperation and tireless efforts of our officers and employees in the GDRFA and the Emirates Identity Authority, who tirelessly worked toward making this service available to millions of people who use the Airports. I would also like to congratulate our leadership of the UAE for this achievement. We are committed to give our best efforts to ensure that we continue on the road to excellence and innovation.
| Manafez Dubai | September - October 2016 | 1
GDRFA Message
GDRFA
in History
October 1971 Pursuant to an order promulgated by the then Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, two departments were established: Central Immigration Department and Ports and Borders Department October 1972 The two departments were merged with the UAE’s Ministry of Interior and Federal Law No. 17 concerning the naturalization and passports was promulgated. 1973 Federal Law No. (6) concerning Immigration and Residency was promulgated as the first law regulating the entry and residency of expatriates in United Arab Emirates. 1977 The two departments were merged and the new Department shifted to a building in the ministries complex 1982 The Administration shifted to the present building during the tenure of Colonel Mohammad Al-Ghaith 2003 The building was completely refurbished during the tenure of Brigadier General Saeed Bin Belaila 1999 Naturalization and Residency Administration, Dubai, established a branch at Hatta Fort 1995 Jebel Ali Port branch was inaugurated
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Our Vision: To have the UAE as one of the most secure and safest countries in the world.
Our Mission (MOI):
To work efficiently and effectively towards enhancing the quality of life in the UAE community by providing security, traffic, reform, residency services and ensuring safety of lives and properties.
Our Mission (GDRFA):
For the happiness of the people, we offer excellent and fast naturalization, residence and ports services.
Our Values:
Justice Team-Work Excellence courtesy Integrity Loyalty Social responsibility
Strategic objectives: Promote safety and security. Promote public confidence in the effectiveness of services provided. Optimal use of intelligence. Ensure all administrative services are provided based on quality, efficiency and transparency standards.
To communicate with GDRFA: Location: Aljaffilya - Bur Dubai PO Box : UAE – Dubai 4333 Email: amer@dnrd.ae Toll Free Number: 04 3139999 - 8005111 Working Hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM GDRFA-Dubai http:// www.dnrd.ae Dubai Airport Freezone http://www.dafz.ae Dubai Public Prosecution http://www.dxbpp.gov.ae Dubai Municipality https://www.dm.gov.ae
Department of Economic Development http://www.dubaided.gov.ae Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing http://www.dubaitourism.ae Land and Property Department http://www.dubailand.gov.ae
Contents
GDRFA News GDRFA Photographs by: Abdulrahman Abdullah Sanjeev Kochan
GDRFA processes 1.3 million transactions during Eid holidays
UAE News
Monthly newsletter issued by GDRFA-Dubai
P4 UAE to grant visa on arrival to Chinese visitors
Honorary President Major General Mohammed Ahmed Almarri Director General
General Supervision Major General Obaid Muhair Bin Suroor Deputy Director General
P8
Protect your data and privacy when you travel
General Coordinator Major Khalid Al Rahma Editorial Consultant Ghassan Suleiman Creative Manager Mohammed Al Jarouf Executive Editor Shveta Pathak
Strategic Technology Partner of GDRFA-Dubai
Official Courier
P 26 IATA urges states to sign-up for voluntary implementation of carbon offset agreement
Advertise with us Content, Production, Marketing & Advertising Nadd Al Shiba PR and Event Management Phone: + 9714 2566707 Fax: + 9714 2566704 Website www.naddalshiba.com Email info@naddalshiba.com
P 32 | Manafez Dubai | September - October 2016 | 3
GDRFA News
GDRFA processes 1.3 million transactions during Eid holidays
GDRFA’s innovation system recognised
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A
total of 1,345,122 transactions were processed by the General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, GDRFA-Dubai, during the Eid Al-Adha holidays, according to Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the GDRFA-Dubai.
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to offer the best services to the public.
Al Marri said that the achievements, initiatives and quality of work by the GDFRA-Dubai staff reflect the vision of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh
A total of 175 passports were renewed at the customer happiness centre at the airport, while the Amer service at GDRFA-Dubai answered 4,447 calls during the Eid holidays.
He pointed out that the department is keen to remain at the forefront of excellency in performance and achievement, and also in simplifying work for customers.
ubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) received recognition for its innovation management by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance (LRQA), according to a Gulf News report. Major General Mohammad Al Marri, director of GDRFA, received the CEN/TS 16555-1 certificate at the GDRFA headquarters. Maj Gen Al Marri said that the implementation of the innovation management system is considered a global achievement because it supports the rendering of services in a creative way in order to make people happy.
Fake passports seized
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total of 503 fake passports were seized during the last six months by the Expertise Centre Identity and Fraud Documents, ECIFD, system at Dubai International Airport, according to a top official. During an inspection visit to the ECIFD, Major General Mohammed Al Marri, Director-General of the General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, GDRFA-Dubai, said that out of these passports 332 were forged, two distorted and 169 were iden4 | Manafez Dubai | September - October 2016 |
tity theft, reported WAM. Aqueel Al Najaar, Director of ECIFD, said that visitors trying to enter the country using fake identity documents are being easily exposed at the airport, due to the high-tech passport-reading and biometrics technology system designed to identify fraud. He added that the centre, which was established in 2010, helps verify the identities of millions of travellers passing through Dubai airport each year.
He explained that the training centre of ECIFD develops and maintains a high level of expertise in relation to document checks on national and international investigation, and training on body language is also very important for passport control officers. He added that all the training programmes at the centre are conducted by Emirati trainers, and a total of 316 trainee have completed their courses since the beginning of the year.
Our
Message
Innovation in work culture
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he achievements made by the Dubai International Airport present before the ports and borders industry the challenges to further enhance services, with a major focus on improving the security of our systems and the performance of our staff. At the GDRFA Dubai, we continue to make efforts to build innovation in our work culture. This would also contribute to effectively dealing with the rapid growth in number of international passengers at the Dubai Airport, which is the world’s busiest in terms of international passengers, and expects over 83 million passengers by the end of this year and more than 100 million passengers by the end of the year 2020. This growth brings with it the challenges that we are confident to win, due to the consistent efforts of our officers and employees who are committed to give their best to their work and further enhance the image of the UAE on an international level and enhance the strength of our borders as the best and safest and fastest in terms of responding to the challenges of travel industry.
In our list of achievements that have come with the adoption of technology is the facility that enables residents to use Emirates ID through the electronic gates (e-Gates) at the Dubai International Airport with which they can complete their passport control procedures within seconds. In line with the vision of our wise leadership to make Dubai the happiest place for all and achieve excellence, we will not miss any opportunity to provide the best services to passengers and ensure a smooth and comfortable passenger experience.
Toward this, we are constantly making efforts to effectively handle the rise in number of passengers, expected to rise over 17 billion worldwide over the next fifteen years. The GDRFA has adopted smart technology to provide better services to passengers at the Dubai Airport. This has helped us increase the speed of transactions, thereby enhancing passenger experience while maintaining the security at the same time.
Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor Deputy Director General GDRFA-Dubai
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Cover Story
Emirates ID can be used at airport smart gate
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he General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has announced activating the use of Emirates ID for the Smart Gate system at Dubai International Airport.
With this, UAE residents can use their Emirates ID cards to pass through passport control counters without waiting in queues at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport. 6 | Manafez Dubai | September - October 2016 |
The GDRFA said it has completed implementing the smart gate system service on the ID card at the arrivals and departures wings in Terminal 3.
The new project has been implemented in cooperation with the Emirates Identity Authority to further improve services and ensure a pleasant and smooth experience for
Cover
all passengers, who now no longer require to stand in long queues to clear passport control procedures.
and will only require a valid ID card instead of using one’s passport when entering and exiting the country.
GDRFA has completed the first stage of the same project with the 28 e-gates in Terminal Three arrivals, which also can be used with an Emirates ID and requires no prior registration or paying any fees.
He said passengers’ fingerprints must also be registered with the Emirates Identity Authority.
Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, director-general of GDRFA, announced the new service with the smart gates which he said does not need prior registration as well
Children under the age of 15, however, will not be able to use the system with their ID cards. Airport employees will assist them as their parents cross the smart gates, he said. The smart gate, designed by Emaratech, is considered the second generation of the e-gate and is a lot
Story
faster and more efficient as it is seven seconds faster when processing a passenger’s credentials. The e-gate scans biometrics of travellers before allowing them to pass through passport control. The smart gate has a similar procedure and takes an average of 12 seconds to clear a passenger. As part of this activation came the launch of an initiative called “smooth departure and arrival”, the GDRFA said, which is aimed at making it an easy experience for travellers.
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UAE News
UAE to grant visa on arrival to Chinese visitors
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hinese visitors to the UAE will now be granted visas on arrival, according to a Gulf News report. China, the world’s second-largest economy, has a burgeoning and increasingly prosperous middle class that is travelling abroad in numbers greater than ever before. “We have approved a decision to grant visas on arrival at the country’s airports to visitors from the People’s Republic of China,” the newspaper quoted His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai as saying. “Our relations with China are strategic and a priority,” he added in remarks published on his official Twitter account. Chinese tourists previously had to obtain visas before travelling to the UAE. The UAE has invested billions of dollars over more than a decade to put itself on the map as a regional business and tourism hub. Among the UAE’s seven emirates, Dubai is the most attractive for tourists. More than 14.2 million people visited Dubai in 2015, but the target is
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25 million by 2020 when the Gulf emirate hosts the global trade fair Expo 2020. In February, officials said 450,000 Chinese visitors made the trip to Dubai in 2015, in a 29 per cent in-
crease over the previous year, said the report. Apart from citizens of its five Gulf neighbours, nationals of 47 countries - most of them Westerners - can obtain a visa on arrival to the UAE.
UAE News
DXB receives record passenger traffic in July
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assenger traffic at Dubai International has exceeded all previous records in July surging to an historic high of 7.6 million, according to the monthly traffic report issued by operator Dubai Airports today.
Passenger numbers in July totalled 7,616,792 compared to the 6,682,676 handled in July 2015, a significant increase of 14 per cent. During the first seven months of the year, DXB welcomed 48,123,248 passengers, up 7 per cent compared to 44,981,967 passengers recorded during the same period last year. Eastern Europe was the fastest growing region in July up 33.4 per cent, followed by Asia which grew by 20.8 per cent, and the Indian subcontinent at 17.1 per cent. GCC traffic rose 16.2 per cent while North America registered a 13.9 per cent increase. Traditionally a strong market, India was the top destination country with 990,213 passengers, followed by the UK (573,025 passengers), and Saudi Arabia (475,841). London, Doha, Mumbai, Kuwait and Bangkok headed the list of the most popular destinations served from DXB. Aircraft movements during July reached 35,832, up 5.8 per cent compared to 33,855 recorded during July 2015. Year to date flight movements totalled 243,035 compared to 231,081 aircraft movements recorded during the same period last year, an increase of 5.1 per cent. The passengers per movement remained at world-beating levels at 220 during July as DXB’s rising ratio of wide-
Passenger traffic up 95.4 per cent atDWC Passenger traffic for the first six months of the year totalled 410,278, up 95.4 per cent compared to 209,989 passengers recorded during the corresponding period in 2015. bodied aircraft continues to drive airport efficiency. Freight volumes at Dubai International contracted 1.2 percent in July to total 203,153 tonnes compared to 205,526 tonnes recorded during the corresponding month last year. During the first seven months of 2016, DXB handled 1,485,177 tonnes of cargo, up 3.2 per cent compared to 1,438,904 tonnes recorded during the same period in 2015. “This summer was the busiest in DXB’s history with daily traffic averaging a quarter of a million passengers across the three terminals. We are pleased as much with the growth as we are with the way we managed service levels by implementing detailed operational plans, boosting staff levels, intensifying communication efforts with our business partners and customers during the peak period,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.
Passenger traffic at DWC is mainly driven by flydubai, one of Dubai’s two flagship carriers which in addition to its operations at Dubai International’s Terminal 2, operates 35 weekly flights to five destinations from DWC. The airline will increase its weekly flights from DWC for the upcoming winter schedule. DWC is currently served by 17 passenger carriers, operating an average of 174 flights weekly to 39 international destinations and is home to 34 scheduled cargo operators that fly to as many as 141 destinations around the world. The surge in passenger operations at DWC contributed significantly to aircraft movements which totalled 18,126 in the first half of the year, up 4.8 per cent compared to 17,302 movements recorded during the first six months of 2015.
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YOUR HAPPINES IS OUR FOCUS
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SERVICES |
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Middle East News
Saudi Arabia offers free medical aid to stranded expat workers
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audi government has decided to extend medical facilities to OFWs and other expat workers at Saudi Oger and Binladen free of charge in the government hospitals.
The announcement was made by Minister of Labor and Social Development Mufrej Al-Haqabani and Health Minister Tawfiq AlRabiah in response to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman’s directives to the concerned authorities to address the workers’ issues including delay in their salaries and medical care, according to a report in Arab News. Earlier, hospitals would refuse to treat patients not included in the medical insurance system. The ministries in this regard sent circulars to the hospitals that included terms and conditions and mechanisms to admit the workers of the distressed companies and
treat them at all the hospitals of the ministry. Though the hospitals entertain patients, the directive exempted medical cities that need referral procedures, said the news portal. The treatment costs and bills will later be provided in accordance with the price lists of the health services applicable at the ministry. Reportedly, the hospital claims will be sent to the Directorate of Health Affairs and then referred with a letter from the health affairs director general to the director general of the branch of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development in the region for further procedures.
The move comes at a time when the official inspection teams mandated by Al-Haqabani continue to follow up on all the locations of the two companies across the Kingdom, and the emphasis on providing food and free health services to all workers and employees whose services were ended. The labor minister earlier announced that King Salman’s directives ordered taking a set of measures to guarantee the provision of the free-of-charge treatment to the workers and employees, and to renew their residency cards or grant permanent exit visas for those who wish to leave the Kingdom and also to provide fresh drinking water and food for them at all their locations. The directives included as well assigning teams to follow up on maintenance and hygiene issues at these locations. The royal directives included the provision of free-of-charge legal help to support the cases of these workers, and to provide air tickets through Saudi Arabian Airlines for those wishing to leave, with the companies that stopped disbursing these workers’ salaries bearing all the costs, Al-Haqabani was quoted as saying by Arab News.
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Middle East News
Kuwait to launch separate hospitals for expats
H
ealth Minister Ali Al-Obaidi has said that the government’s legal agency - the fatwa and legislative department - has given its approval for setting up an independent healthcare system for expatriates under a new medical insurance scheme, according to a report in Kuwait Times.
The fatwa department approved a draft contract the ministry plans to sign with the Health Insurance Hospitals Company to offer healthcare services to expatriates, the minister said. The contract is in accordance with the government’s program of action and the state development plan to develop a national healthcare strategy, Obaidi said. The Health Insurance Hospitals Co, a public shareholding firm for health insurance established in accordance with a decision by the Cabinet, will provide medical care
for expatriates through a number of hospitals and primary medical centers based on the health insurance law of 1999, the minister said. The ministry is currently engaged in completing the necessary approvals for the draft contract from the state’s supervisory agencies, said Obaidi, adding that the project has been sent to the state Audit Bureau for examination, he said. Pending approval of the bureau, the ministry will start implementing the scheme by providing healthcare to expatriates at hospitals and medical centers special-
ized for foreigners, the minister said, without setting a dateline for the launch of the project. At present, the majority of expatriates are obliged to obtain health insurance from the ministry of health by paying up to KD 50 per year to receive essential medical services at ministry hospitals and centers. Expatriates are also required to pay additional fees for a variety of medical procedures, especially surgeries, hospital stays and radiology examinations. Expatriates also pay KD 1 for each visit to public clinics and KD 2 to casualty sections at hospitals. | Manafez Dubai | September - October 2016 | 13
International News
UAE, S. Korea sign MoU on visa waiver programme
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he UAE’s citizens can travel to the Republic of South Korea without the need for a prior entry visa, and can stay for a period not exceeding (90) days, as of 21st September 2016, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) has announced. The ministry said that the governments of the UAE
and South Korea signed on 21st September, 2016, on the sidelines of the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly in New York a memorandum of understanding on the visa-waiver programme that will extend the stay of citizens of the UAE and Korea who hold diplomatic, special and regular passports to 90 days in each
other’s territory with immediate effect as of the signing day. “This decision shows the depth of relations between the UAE and Korea and their constant pursuit to provide world-class services to their citizens and further bolster co-operation,’’ he added. (Courtesy: WAM)
Passengers can skip passport checks with new FastTrack service at Edinburgh Airport
E
dinburgh Airport in the UK is reportedly planning to launch a new service that will allow passengers to skip passport checks at the airport. The passengers arriving at the airport can use the proposed FastTrack service by paying close to £5, according to a report on airport-technology. com. The service is being launched in collaboration with the UK Border Force. “This new service will offer choice to people flying into Edinburgh Airport.” The decision to launch this service follows Edinburgh Airport CEO Gordon Dewar’s letter to the then Home Secretary Theresa May to raise concerns over reducing the number of border control staff. Dewar warned that the staffing cuts may lead to long queues at the passport control counters. Edinburgh Airport spokesman was quoted by BBC
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News as saying: “This new service will offer choice to people flying into Edinburgh Airport. “We look forward to being able to offer our overseas passengers and returning UK-based passengers an even smoother arrival into Scotland.”
Scottish Conservatives spokesman Alex Johnstone was quoted by The Scotsman as saying: “Instead of charging travellers to skip the queue at passport control, Edinburgh Airport should be concentrating on improving the system for everyone.
Passengers at the airport are already using a priority security lane for departures by paying £4.49. Gatwick and Heathrow airports in the country are already providing similar services.
“These fast lanes will just serve to deflect resources away from regular travellers, making the wait even worse for those who don’t want to shell out a ridiculous fee just to get to where they’re travelling to.”
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International News
Pak to discard hand written passports from Oct. 1
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akistan’s government has introduced a new rule putting an end to the non-machine readable passports, which comes into force at the end of September, according to media reports. “Millions of Pakistanis, especially those abroad, will be technically knocked out and become stateless when handwritten passports would be unacceptable under the new rule set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO),” the Nation quoted Foreign Office Additional Secretary Irfan Shami as saying to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. The International Civil Aviation Organisation had set November 2015
as the deadline after which computerised passports would become the universal requirement. The new rule has been set to speed up travel time and strengthen security. The deadline has been extended to October 1, 2016. Islamabad International Airport to become operational in 2017
Islamabad International Airport in Pakistan is expected to become operational on 14 August 2017. Construction of the airport began over ten years ago, but its estimated cost increased significantly following several delays. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had predicted that the airport’s initial deadline of December 2016 would be missed.
Rwanda to build international airport
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wanda has signed a deal with the African division of Portuguese construction firm Mota-Engil to build an international airport at a cost of $818 million, the company and government officials said.
The first phase of the airport, which is part of a push to attract more tourists and boost Rwanda as a conference destination, would cost $418 million and is expected to start in June next year and be
completed by December 2018, according to www.theafricareport. com. wanda’s plans for the new Bugesera International Airport date back to 2011 when it first announced it was seeking bids from the private sector to design, build, finance, maintain and operate the airport through a 25year concession. “The first phase is for 1.7 million passengers (per year) capacity and it gets all infrastructure associated for $418 million,” Mota-Engil Africa Chief Executive Officer Manuel Antonio Mota told reporters late on Thursday after signing an agreement with government officials.
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International News
10 million passengers screened through ABC eGates in Australia
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en million passengers have been processed by the installed Automated Border Control eGates in Australian airports since Vision Box’s eGate has become operational in Sydney in 2015.
Automated Border Control eGates were installed at departures terminals over a period of 12 months.
Clearance solution, by simply presenting their passport and looking at a camera to clear the Border.
10 million passengers have been successfully processed by the installed Automated Border Control eGates in Australia, with passengers of all ages and all nationalities being able to leave the country, using the Automated Border
It took 12 months to set up an unparalleled Automated Border Control infrastructure in Departures Halls at 8 major airports around Australia. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Cairns and Darwin:
18 || Manafez ManafezDubai Dubai||September September--October October2016 2016| |
all 8 major Australian Airports are now equipped with the latest self-service biometric technology for Border Control, offering departing passengers with a unique passenger-centric experience at the 83 SmartGates installed. On the announcement of the national completion of the departures SmartGate roll-out, Minister
International News
for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton highlighted that “This milestone delivers on Australian Government’s commitment towards streamlined border control processes and enhanced border protection capability at our international airports”.
that the passenger holding it is the rightful owner, by matching the passport chip’s photo with a live photo. While legitimate travelers cross the border in a smooth, selfservice way, Australian Border Force officers can focus on actual risks at the border.
Mr. Dutton defined the introduction of this technology as “critical to improving our ability to accurately confirm the identity of travelers”. In fact, the commitment with the latest generation of Automated Border Control eGates in 2014 was a determined step to strengthen Australian borders.
Side by side with security, the standardisation and streamlining of processes is having a huge impact in the way passengers perceive the airport experience.
The use of self-service biometric touch points offers a quick, reliable authentication of each passenger’s travel documents and guarantees
SmartGate has widespread passenger adoption, by embracing what has become the universal language for personal identification. Gradually, self-service passenger processes have become standard at international airports in Australia. The advancements of technology have allowed the passenger experience to be amazingly convenient – cameras automatically adjust to the passenger’s height (especially needed when any age is accepted) and innovative patented document feeder technology promotes the highest reading success rate, by automatically positioning the passport precisely on the reader at all times and by only returning the document to the passenger when reading was fully completed, eliminating any delays due to document misplacement or inadequacy of time for reading. A happy combination of attractive and ergonomic common-use hardware, an expertly designed workflow and intuitive interfaces based on the best human–to-machine interaction practices allow passengers to use the technology very easily and clear immigration in just a few seconds.
At busy periods, up to 150 passengers are being processed per hour at each gate. The efficiency and accuracy in the process of identifying passengers through the use of advanced biometric recognition, together with a seamless integration with the Border Force platform, were also pivotal in ensuring a unique performance of the system and the quickest processing times. The powerful software suite put in place by Vision-Box™ integrates passenger identification (biometric verification, passport checks, passenger assessment and profiling) with real-time monitoring of SmartGate operations, offering Border Force Officers a solid control of the entire end-to-end security infrastructure via a holistic integrated border management platform allowing to promptly react to any exceptional situation or threat. Miguel Leitmann, CEO of VisionBox said: “This project is simply the most remarkable SmartGate roll out ever at a global scale, with state-of-the-art biometric technology intensifying border security at all major exit points of the country. We are very proud to have worked cooperatively with the Australian Border Protection authorities in implementing this project of reference and providing the best tools for major international airports to boost their capacity and manage increasing traveler volumes. 10 million passengers have been reliably identified. And that’s how this solution is working at the service of international security, efficiency and the convenience of people who travel.” | Manafez|Dubai Manafez | September Dubai | September - October 2016 | 19
Interview
Sharjah-based integrated medical centre offers global competencies with the latest technologies, multi specialised clinics for comprehensive treatments
Arab Doctors Specialist Centre, a quantum leap for medical tourism in UAE Medical tourism in the UAE has become an essential tributary to and a major supporter of the national economy thanks to advanced medical treatment and high quality medical care provided by UAE-based healthcare service providers. Different emirates have witnessed the establishment of big hospitals, specialised medical centres and numerous clinics, all offering world class services by distinguished medical cadres from all over the world. Arab Doctors Specialist Centre, the largest specialised medical centre in Sharjah, is one such world class healthcare service provider established in May 2013, covering an area of 10,000 square feet in Al Taawon District. “The aim behind the establishment of the centre is to provide a range of superior integrated services with global quality and international standards,” said Dr. Talal Mohammad, an Obstetrics and Gynaecology Consultant and Medical Director of the Centre. “This has enabled the Centre during a short span of time to host 20 specialised clinics covering modern branches of medicine and cater for the needs of patients looking to get safe and highly efficient treatment,” Dr Talal told Taj Al SerAbouSiwar in an exclusive interview: 20 | Manafez Dubai | September - October 2016 |
Excerpts from the interview: What makes Arab Doctors Specialist Centre so special? Our thinking was focused from the start on creating an integrated work environment that provides best comprehensive healthcare techniques, according to the best global medical standards in terms of treatment, while being fully committed to related ethical aspects. At the same time, we were striving to keep pace with modern medical advances and research methods that are supported by integrated technical aspects, so as to achieve optimal benefit for patients, provide maximum levels of safety and security, and establish the Centre’s credibility of dealing with clients. The Centre has been constantly keen on acquiring the best devices and equipment that help the medical team conduct proper diagnosis, and eventually achieve best treatment
for patients, knowing that available devices meet the needs of the different specialisations and all the clinics of the Centre. What are the Centre’s clinics by specialisations? The most important one is, undoubtedly, the cardiology clinic, followed by another clinic for patients with diabetes and endocrine. There are other clinics related to the digestive system, and those that specialize in obstetrics and gynaecology diseases, in addition to a clinic for general medicine and three clinics for oral and dental surgery, dental orthopaedics and odontology. We also have a children’s clinic, an ear diseases clinic and an eye diseases clinic, in addition to other clinics specialising in bone diseases and urinary surgery. Additionally we have a clinic for skin diseases and another for psychiatric diseases.
Interview Some people prefer to receive heart diseases treatment outside the country. Do you have facilities and specialisations to offer such treatments here? Thanks to our highly efficient medical cadre, who enjoy extensive accumulated experience, the heart diseases clinic is receiving good response from citizens and residents, and we are receiving some cases from neighbouring Arab and other countries. The cutting-edge medical devices that abound in the Centre are contributing to conducting heart muscle diagnoses using the advanced macular degeneration technology, studying the reasons behind atherosclerosis, and making measurement and evaluation of central blood pressure, while “seeking to know the causes for ischemia through stress test by ergocardiography and medicine administration. We are conducting a detailed study to identify the causes for high blood pressure by using a 24-hour monitoring device. We are also conducting an integrated study dealing with the causes for palpitation by using the 24-hour Holter monitor. What distinguishes your medical Centre from its counterparts? We are primarily focused on attaining excellence as an earmark that distinguishes us from others, in addition to good selection of medical personnel, including doctors, nurses and technicians.
tions. And when it comes to importing devices and medical equipment, we focus on the most advanced cutting-edge devices that are predominantly used in global medical centres. On the nursing side, we are very keen to select male and female nurses from amongst the best in the region and the world. One very important aspect of our Centre relates to depending on modern and advanced US and European medical societies’ recommendations in terms of our applicable medical standards, including the diagnosis and treatment of diseases within the corridors of our Centre. It is also important to mention that we have focused on an interior design that provides an atmosphere of psychological comfort for patients. What mostly distinguishes our Centre is our keenness on providing the best medical services and healthcare in specialised therapeutic areas at affordable costs to most patients and clients, and of course this gives a good image of the reputed Centre. How are you equipping the Centre in line with the UAE’s ambition to make our medical
Dr.Talal Mohammad: “We are in line with the State ambitions of attracting foreign patients.” institutions and treatment centres a destination for foreign patients and to promote medical tourism? We are on the same line and are moving steadily towards the implementation of all ambitious plans by attracting international scientific competencies of consultants and specialists, doctors and technicians to provide treatment privileges and facilities with the latest cutting-edge medical equipment and high-end therapeutic services.
In addition to scientific qualifications of our cadre, we also focus on their practical experience, and, more specifically, we set stringent criteria for selecting doctors with long experience in their respective fields of specialization and high reputation in terms of their previous work posi| Manafez Dubai | September - October 2016 | 21
مركز األطباء العرب التخصصي
Arab Doctors Specialist Center
22 ||Manafez ManafezDubai Dubai||September September-2016 October | 2016 |
In Focus
Trend expected to accelerate next year
UAE travelers prefer self-service at the airport
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irline travelers in the UAE are increasingly using self-service technology to better manage each step of their journey and to make the most of their time in the airport to relax, shop and dine.
A total of 48 per cent of UAE travelers use self-service technology where available rather than interact with a person, providing them with more control over their journey. The 2016 SITA Passenger IT Trends Survey, carried out by global IT provider SITA across the UAE’s main airports and representing 98 per cent of the UAE’s passenger traffic, showed that increasingly passengers use selfservice technology to book (93 per cent), check-in (44 per cent) and access their boarding pass (61 per cent). This trend is expected to accelerate next year. The survey shows that self-service usage across the UAE is predicted to surge 36 per cent over the next year with a majority of travelers opting to manage their own booking, check-in and boarding using either a kiosk, website or a mobile app. Demand for mobile self-service options in the UAE in particular is expected to grow sharply in the year ahead. A total of 34 per cent of travelers expect to use mobile booking compared with 15 per
Technology helping travelers speed through formalities and maximize time for shopping and dining
cent in 2016, while mobile checkin will surge from 5 per cent in 2016 to 19 per cent of travelers using it in 2017. Passengers are also demanding new mobile services, particularly in the area of baggage. A total of 71 per cent of UAE travelers said they definitely would want baggage update notifications and 55 per cent said they wanted baggage collection details.
During dwell time at the airport, 93 per cent of UAE travelers considered eating and drinking as the most valuable activity. Similarly 90 per cent of travelers saw shopping as the most valuable activity. UAE travellers are also at their most happy during dwell time, with 96 per cent of passengers feeling positive emotions. Passengers in the UAE rely heavily on technology during dwell time to access services available in the airport. A total of 72 per cent used their mobile or went online to do airport shopping. ď‚… | Manafez Dubai | September - October 2016 | 23
New Technology
First-of-its-kind ‘Cyber Security Centre’ in UAE launched
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martworld and The Kernel today announced the launch of UAE’s first-of-its-kind ‘Cyber Security Centre’, which will train UAE nationals in cyber security and provide round-the-clock advanced security monitoring alongwith cyber threat management to companies across the government and private sector in the UAE.
A strategic partnership for setting up the centre was signed between the two companies by Abdulqader Ali, CEO of Smartworld, and Dr. Mounes Kayyali, CEO of The Kernel. The initiative is in line with the vision and development strategies of the UAE and Dubai especially toward technological advancements in all areas and supports the most critical component of security for organisations. Dr. Saeed Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Smartworld, said: “Smartworld is proud to partner with The Kernel for this unique initiative, which will cater to the rapidly-rising demand for cyber security and local talent in this area. With this initiative we reaffirm our commitment to support the UAE leadership’s vision to excel in every sphere.” 24 | Manafez Dubai | September - October 2016 |
Centre to offer 24/7 monitoring of cyber security threats
The advisory Dr. Saif Al Ketbi said: “UAE and Dubai are making tremendous progress in adopting the world’s latest smart technologies. These advancements bring with them the responsibility to ensure safety from external threats. Particularly as we witness the launch of several mega projects and hosting the Expo 2020, the progress in the area of smart technology is set to be massive. The ‘Cyber Security Centre’ rightly caters to the growing need for protection and threat monitoring as it adopts a holistic approach of developing local talent in the area of cyber security alongwith identifying and protecting organisa-
tions against external threats.” Worldwide, cyber threats have been increasing in sophistication as well as in number of attacks, exposing organizations to threats of losing sensitive information as well as competitive advantage. According to a Kaspersky survey, these costly attacks are now almost routine with 90 percent of the 5,500 companies surveyed reporting at least one security incident and nearly half, 46 percent of businesses, lost sensitive data due to an internal or external security threat. Al Ketbi said: “Most organisations pay greater attention to developing and implementing projects. However, they need to include security right at the planning stage of a project. A security breach could jeopardise all their efforts. With the opening of the Cy-
New Technology
Smartworld and The Kernel join hands to develop local talent and provide cyber security services to government and private organizations
morphology, proprietary algorithms that understand business logic, and we are constantly exploring new research.
ber Security Centre within the UAE, companies across the government and private sector can rest assured as the center will monitor and respond to any form of threats to their security round the clock, alert them about any potential risks they could be exposed to and also help them secure from those.” “To cater to the rapidly-rising need for cyber security, we also need to ensure a sufficient availability of local pool of talent. The Cyber Security Centre, for the first ever time in this region, will be offering sophisticated training in this arena, with special focus on UAE nationals,” Al Ketbi added.
Dr. Mounes Kayyali, CEO of The Kernel, said: “We have been specializing in the software and security industry since 1987. When we established The Kernel in 2008 in Dubai, the UAE became our home and the base for our permanent HQ. The Kernel has a large team of security experts and software developers who are dedicated to continuous innovation in the tech industry by developing in-house products for unified threat management, web filtering, and incident response. We utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning, multi-lingual
The Kernel is also a partner of several leading security companies in Russia and worldwide, and we have worked on several high-profile projects within the field of cyber security. The Kernel’s strategic partnership with Smartworld comes from shared vision of the need to develop local talent and gather the most capable minds to create a thriving platform and achieve exceptional results. Smartworld vision, experience and capabilities allows us to build stateof-the-art security products together, and achieve a real difference in our industry. We are honored by such great trust, and we are optimistic that we can achieve a world-class leading outcomes.
| Manafez Dubai | September - October 2016 | 25
New Technology
Protect your data and privacy when you travel
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rotecting your data and privacy while you travel should be high on your priority as any breaches to the same could leave you in a difficult situation. Roger A. Grimes, Columnist, Infoworld, shares how one can protect their data and privacy while travelling.
Know your rights before you go
Protect copied data
It might surprise you to learn that your normal privacy rights, not to mention your Constitutionally protected rights as a U.S. citizen, go away at the border. Border crossings are a legal no-man’s land, where each country’s laws often do not apply.
Leave the data home
First, and foremost, know your rights and laws before you go to a foreign country. Just as you must know the currency and exchange rate and when to tip, you need to know the legal rights that a particular country might have to your data.
One tip is to double encrypt your data. I use a full disk encryption product that is readily apparent to anyone who turns on my computer. But I use a second encryption product to encrypt my most critical data a second time. I have changed the directory path, icon, and executable names so that they look like they belong to a common, run-of-the-mill program. Turns out that if the border guards don’t know something is double encrypted, they don’t ask for the second set of encryption keys. It’s a cryptographer’s variation of “Don’t ask, don’t tell.” 26 | Manafez Dubai | September - October 2016 |
I’m a big fan of data encryption schemes like Microsoft’s Active Directory Rights Management Service that encrypt the data from unauthorized eyes no matter where it is copied. So even if the border guards or spies get to your data, they are unlikely to be able to review it later on. Better yet, leave the data at home. These days, all my data is stored in the cloud. Before traveling, I just delete the local copy after disabling the sync feature, so that there is no data on my laptop in the first place. I do all my updates and edits on cloud-based copies when I’m away, and then reenable the local cache when I return home. Or I use the same method, but take another device that never had the data on it in the first place.
Always choose the most secure network option
Whether you’re traveling foreign or domestic, you should always choose the most secure network option available. Be wary of all free Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. Make sure you’re connecting only to official Wi-Fi offerings and not fake hacker Wi-Fi access points. Better yet, if you can’t be sure you’re using the right open Wi-Fi network, use your cell phone’s tethering feature.
HTTPS is your friend
Make sure all of your web surfing, or at least your surfing to the websites you use authentication with, is protected by TLS-enabled HTTPS. You don’t want bad guys sniffing your connections. Make sure that any wireless connections you use don’t try to place fake digital certificates on your computer in an attempt to man-inthe-middle the connections. It’s more common these days than ever.
New Technology
Also, it’s important to remember that your 2FA (two-factor authentication) methods may not work, especially if your 2FA option uses your cell phone or messaging and your cell phone’s voice or data service doesn’t work. I’m a big fan of Anonabox.
Use privacy screens
I’m very old school. When I travel I always make sure I have a good privacy screen over my laptop display to keep prying eyes from reading what I’m reading or typing. 3M makes some of the most versatile and secure privacy screens you’ll find.
Use throwaway accounts
I try not to use other people’s computers, but there are times when using other computers is necessary or at least very useful. When I use those computers, I often use temporary, throwaway email and cloud storage accounts when I travel. For example,
I send my airline tickets to print to a throwaway account so I can pick up and print the tickets on hotel computer equipment. Hotel computers are obvious targets for malware and keystroke recording equipment. If you print that ticket from a throwaway account that you’ll never use again, who cares if someone can access it after you leave?
Lock your device
It goes without saying that you should lock your computing devices anytime you aren’t using them -- even in your own hotel room when you’re using the shower.
Make sure your device is secure
Don’t take your regular device along on trips if you don’t have to. But regardless of whether the computer is your normal device or just a travel one, you want it as secure as possible.
It should be securely configured, have all security patches applied, and have a host-based firewall, and host intrusion prevention software, as well. He also said to make sure that you turn off any file or network sharing features.
Don’t broadcast your current location
Lastly, while this isn’t exactly a travel tip, don’t share your current location with the world. This happens all the time when people use social media. Maybe it’s the paranoia gripping me, but I’ve never understood my friends letting everyone know when they are out of the country, advertising that either their house is empty or that their spouse or kids are home alone. I love to share my pictures and adventures on social media, but I wait until I’m home and able to protect my assets and loved ones.
| Manafez Dubai | September - October 2016 | 27
New Technology
Robots assist passengers at airports
Tokyo Airport installs humanoid robots to assist passengers
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umanoid robots could soon be more common at airports than people assisting passengers as airports worldwide look at new technologies to enhance efficiency and cope with rising number of air passengers.
Tokyo’s Haneda international Airport has installed a fleet of tiny humanoid robots to provide guidance to passengers. At around 90cm tall, the EMIEW3 robots direct passengers to certain areas of the terminal.
lows it to process images and voices.” The trials for the red and white robots will continue until December at the airport’s domestic Terminal 2, reported The Japan Times.
Developed by Hitachi, the robots communicate in Japanese and English, according to www.airport-technology.com.
First introduced in 2005, the third version of the EMIEW was unveiled in April, and features a remote brain that allows it to process images and voices.
“The third version of the EMIEW features a remote brain that al-
Several robots can be connected via a remote operation system.
28 | Manafez Dubai | September - October 2016 |
Hitachi expects to add more languages to the robot, including Chiene and Korean, in the near future. Meanwhile, Geneva Airport also started trialling Leo, a new robot for carrying luggage. Leo the robot speeds up bag drop by collecting passengers’ baggage before they enter the terminal It is an innovative baggage robot developed by air transport IT provider SITA.
New Technology
Fully autonomous, the self-propelling baggage robot that has the capacity to check in, print bag tags and transport up to two suitcases with a maximum weight of 32kg. It also has an obstacle avoidance capability and can navigate in a high-traffic environment such as an airport. Leo provides a glimpse into the future of baggage handling being explored by SITA Lab and is the first step to automating the baggage process from the moment passengers drop their bags to when they collect them. Using robotics and artificial intelligence, bags will be collected, checked in, transported and loaded onto the correct flight without ever having to enter the terminal building or be directly handled by anyone other than the passengers themselves. Leo – named after the Italian Renaissance inventor and engineer Leonardo da Vinci who built what is now recognized as the world’s
first robot – comes to the assistance of passengers as they approach the terminal building. Touching Leo’s Scan&Fly bag drop interface opens the baggage compartment doors to allow passengers to place their bags inside. After the passengers have scanned their boarding passes, the tags are printed and can be attached to the bag. With the bags loaded and tagged, the compartment door closes and Leo displays the boarding gate and departure time. Leo then takes the bags directly to the baggage handling area where they are sorted and connected to the correct flight. The doors of the robot can only be reopened by the operator unloading the baggage in the airport. The use of robots such as Leo means that in future fewer bags and trolleys will enter the airport terminal, reducing congestion and making airport navigation easier.
Dave Bakker, President Europe at SITA said: “Through the innovative work of the SITA Lab we are able to tackle some of the key challenges that face airports today. Leo demonstrates that robotics hold the key to more effective, secure and smarter baggage handling and is major step towards further automating bag handling in airports. Leo also provides some insight into the potential use of robots across the passenger journey in future.” Massimo Gentile, Head of IT at Genève Aéroport, said: “In a busy airport such as Geneva Airport, the use of a robot such as Leo limits the number of bags in the airport terminal, helping us accommodate a growing number of passengers without compromising the airport experience inside the terminal. Leo also proves the case for increased use of robotics to make passengers’ journey a little more comfortable, whether it is checking in baggage, providing directions or helping them through the security process.” The number of air passengers globally is expected to double to 6.6 billion by 2020. Smart technologies are helping in the transformation of airports by increasing their processing and operational capabilities. A Markets and Markets study says the global market for smart airports will reach US$13.5 billion by 2020, up from US$9.7 billion in 2014. The market is expected to see 5.61 per cent CAGR to 2020. | Manafez Dubai | September - October 2016 | 29
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| Manafez Dubai | September - October 2016 | 31
Special Report
IATA urges states to sign-up for voluntary implementation of carbon offset agreement
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he draft negotiating text for CORSIA, published on 2 September 2016, broadly aligns with the aviation industry’s call for a mandatory global carbon offset scheme as a tool to help manage the industry’s emissions as it pursues its goal of carbon-neutral growth. Instead of being mandatory from the start, however, the draft text defines a voluntary “pilot and implementation” period (2021-2026) after which participation would be 32 | Manafez Dubai | September - October 2016 |
mandatory for all eligible States (2027 onwards).
first for an industry sector at the global level.
“I am optimistic that we are on the brink of a historic agreement—a
The aviation industry would have preferred a more ambitious time-
Special
Report
The industry is ready. There is really no reason for governments not to volunteer. Indeed, the United States, China, Canada, Indonesia, Mexico, the Marshall Islands, and 44 European countries have already indicated their willingness to participate. Now is the time for other states to match their political leadership, by coming to the Assembly already committed to participate, even if the scheme is voluntary at the initial stage,” said de Juniac. “Airlines are committed to environmental responsibility. But achieving it requires a partnership with governments. That is clear in the development of a global market-based measure such as CORSIA. And it is the same for day-to-day operations. Airlines are investing heavily in new technology, the development of sustainable alternative fuels and operational efficiency.
line than is currently outlined in the draft text. However, what is most important is that the substance of the negotiating text will allow for meaningful management of aviation’s carbon footprint. Airlines support it and urge governments to agree when they meet at ICAO,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
IATA encourages governments to commit to their voluntary participation as soon as possible. “Last year’s much lauded Paris climate change agreement was a combination of voluntary measures to which the vast majority of countries have already committed themselves. We expect no less of an outcome from the ICAO Assembly.
Our message to the states attending the ICAO Assembly is that they must match our efforts. This is particularly the case with investments to modernize air navigation infrastructure which will bring cost-efficiency benefits along with improved environmental performance. Similarly, government incentives to commercialize sustainable alternative fuels are critical to unlocking their environmental benefits with increased production capacity and lower costs,” said de Juniac. | Manafez Dubai | September - October 2016 | 33
Tourism
Of pristine beaches and misty forests
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he Coromandel, renowned for its pristine beaches, misty forests and laid-back vibe, is one of New Zealand’s most popular holiday destinations.
A binocular’s view across the gulf from Auckland, The Coromandel is everything that a big city isn’t. With a mountainous interior cloaked in native rainforest and more than 400 kilometres of dazzling white sand beaches, it is rustic, unspoiled and relaxed. Activities and attractions are plentiful, from fishing and diving to hiking and cycling. Here are a few destinations not to be missed:
Thames and Thames Coast
There’s lots to keep you busy when delving into Thames colourful gold mining history or experiencing our beautiful forests and coastlines. If you are after an adrenaline rush, Canyonz is the activity for you.
34 | Manafez Dubai | September - October 2016 |
Located inland from Thames in the Kauaeranga Valley Sleeping God Canyon is an unforgettable canyoning adventure that constantly keeps you on edge.
Valley, Thames coastal walkway and Rocky’s Goldmine Walk, visit Miranda Hot Springs for a therapeutic dip in the hot mineral water or enjoy the Miranda Shorebird Centre.
You can also experience local history by touring the Thames School of Mines & Mineralogical Museum, Bella Street Pumphouse and Thames Historical Museum, marvel at the variety of nature at the Butterfly and Orchid Garden, Rapaura Watergardens and Karaka Birdhide and even enjoy biking, walking and tramping opportunities on offer on the Hauraki Rail Trail, Kauaeranga
Paeroa
Paeroa is an ideal mid-journey stop between Auckland and Tauranga/ Rotoroa. The home of the iconic ‘Lemon and Paeroa’ soft drink, Paeroa offers several fine cafes and some fascinating local attractions.
Deep in the heart of Karangahake Gorge
The beautiful Ohinemuri River runs
Tourism
through Karangahake Gorge on State Highway 2. The gorge is the site of Waihi’s 1875 gold rush. Numerous walkways reveal the gold-mining history of the region. Old mine tunnels, stamper battery sites and other mining relics adorn the tracks. Take a step back in time and climb on board the Goldfields Vintage Railway, which travels between Waikino and Waihi.
Coromandel Town
Historic Coromandel Town is a haven for talented artists and craftspeople who are inspired by the tranquil atmosphere and spectacular natural surrounds. Arrive by ferry from downtown Auckland after a stunning journey across the Hauraki Gulf, or arrive by
road along the picturesque Pohutukawa Coast. Indulge in the gourmet homegrown cuisine on offer at the many local restaurants. Take in the beauty and solitute of the surrounding coastline with The Coromandel Coastal Walkway, a 7-hour return journey traversing bush, farmland and beaches. Visit The Waterworks, an entertaining theme park where whimsical wonders are driven by the power of water. Marvel at the impressive Mature Kauri Tree Grove. Visit Driving Creek Railway - a remarkable 1 hour trainride on a worldclass narrowguage mountain railway featuring engineering marvels and passing through kauri forests. ď‚… (Source: www.newzealand.com) | Manafez Dubai | September - October 2016 | 35