GCAA organizes a workshop for security chiefs at airports and airlines registered in the UAE

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) organized on 10 February 2011 a workshop to introduce the special requirements for civil aviation security traini pursuant to the GCAA Security Directive No. 1 amending the minimum requirements for candidates for the positions of security chiefs at all airports and airlines registered in the UAE. 

The workshop, which was held at the GCAA regional headquarters in Dubai, was attended by many civil aviation security chiefs and officials at airports as well as security chiefs at airlines registered in the UAE, whether operating regular or occasional services. Eng. Aws Al Khanjari, Director of Security in GCAA fully explained the Security Directive No. 1 and all conditions and requirements in relation to candidates for the positions of security chiefs at airports and airlines. 

H.E. Saif Mohammad Al Suwaidi, Director General, GCAA said: “This workshop comes in the context of the GCAA efforts to prepare airport and aviation security staff for compliance with the minimum requirements for these positions in the UAE in accordance with the relevant security directive and in order to establish one set of standards and procedures in connection with these positions in line with the global standards in this respect. ” 

“It also comes as part of the efforts aimed at achieving the GCAA's strategic goal of enhancing the level of safety and security in the UAE civil aviation sector. The Security Directive will come into force on 31 May 2011, which makes it necessary to hold and organize several events and workshops so as to prepare national cadres for compliance with these requirements. Under these requirements, candidates for these positions, whether at airports or airlines, should be UAE nationals, which is a boost for the Emiratization of these sectors.” Al Suwaidi added. 

The Security Directive No. 1 was issued by the UAE National Committee for Civil Aviation Security and Facilities in November 2009 amending the minimum requirements for candidates for the position of security chiefs at all airports and airlines registered in the UAE. This amendment ensures that the candidates for the positions of aviation security chiefs have the right qualifications and experience. The directive sets the conditions for appointing civil aviation security chiefs at airports or in airlines registered in the UAE, whether operating regular or occasional services. 

Under these conditions, the candidates should be UAE nationals, have at least seven years of experience in the field of public security and have successfully completed specific training courses in certain security fields. In addition, they should obtain the required security clearances and the approval of the GCAA.