An official of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) simulates security inspection during the launching of Qatar’s first high-tech airport service vehicle at the departure area of Hamad International Airport. PICTURE: Nasar T K
Lt Col al-Mazrouei: plans to deploy security vehicles similar to the one at HIA in other areas too.
Al-Mass: guarantees that HIA’s security is at par with other international airports.
Peter Alagos
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The Ministry of Interior (MoI) yesterday launched Qatar’s first high-tech airport service vehicle at the departure area of the new Hamad International Airport (HIA).
“The vehicle, the first of its kind in Qatar, is expected to intensify security measures at the airport,” Airport Immigration Department director Lt Col Mohamed Rashid al-Mazrouei told Gulf Times.
The vehicle, equipped with a portable fingerprint and document scanner, is connected to the data base of government agencies in Qatar and international security organisations like Interpol, he explained.
The size of a standard golf car, the solar-powered vehicle is fitted with video cameras on its canopy to provide a 360-degree view of the area being inspected.
“It is easy to use: the vehicle is portable and transmits information to the command centre or any government agency in real time,” al-Mazrouei stressed.
The fingerprint scanner can provide security and immigration personnel any data about the individual being inspected. The document scanner, manufactured by 3M, sends vital information needed by authorities to address any given situation.
“We are now capable of viewing a person’s information from his data base in Qatar and outside the country. The document scanner does not only view passports but also Qatari IDs and boarding passes,” he said.
By viewing a passenger’s boarding pass, al-Mazrouei said airport authorities could assist anyone who may be late for his or her flight or if they need to be transported to a specific area in the airport.
“We have a large airport and it would be convenient for our personnel to carry move around with the vehicle and use it when necessary. This also saves time and effort for both the security or immigration officers and passengers,” al-Mazrouei noted.
Qatar’s Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) will initially utilise the vehicle at the airport but al-Mazrouei added that in the future the MoI is eyeing to equip other areas like sports stadiums and border patrol or check-point areas between Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Abdulaziz Abdulla al-Mass, HIA vice president – Commercial, stressed that the new service vehicle highlighted the security capabilities of the airport
“This is a new concept. A new idea, which is going to bring added value to the airport and to its reputation as an international gateway,” al-Mass said.
“This latest security addition does not only enhance the safety of passengers, airport personnel and the general public but it also makes it easy for authorities to assist people and address any situation,” he said.
“Its wireless technology gives authorities the much-needed opportunity to make decisions on the spot.”
Al-Mass guaranteed that HIA’s security was at par with other international airports around the world. He assured that airport security was constantly co-ordinating closely with national security agencies such as the MoI.
“The HIA has a centralised security system that is connected to the MoI and other concerned agencies. We have the best security here and safety is always a priority in the airport,” al-Mass emphasised.
