Qatar introduces new surveillance technology at Hamad Int’l Airport
Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has announced the rollout of a new security vehicle at Hamad International Airport to help more readily identify any weapons, drugs and explosives carried by travelers.
In a statement, MOI said that the technology, which has been patented by the ministry and the nation’s Internal Security Forces (Lekwhiya), is the first of its kind in the Middle East.
Brig. Essa Arrar Al Rumaihi, director of the airport security department, called HIA “one of the most important civilizational fronts of the country,” as it is a traveler’s first and last impression of Qatar.
“This is why securing the airport is of extreme import, which has merited the attention and efforts of MOI and Lekhwiya,” he said.
The cost of the new technology was not mentioned. It has been installed in what appears to be a golf court that is tasked with covering some 30sqkm of the airport.
The move comes as airport security is being beefed up around the world due to ongoing political conflicts.
Just last month, the US asked international airports that fly directly to the states toincrease screening efforts, over fears that al Qaeda operatives in Syria or Yemen would smuggle bombs onto planes heading to America.
The vehicle’s equipment is capable of specifying the location of hazardous or illicit materials inside the bag of a passenger, and also if the person is carrying anything hazardous inside of their clothes or their bodies, the statement said.
These devices then send wireless signals to the control room inside the airport, and enable inspectors inside the vehicle to see what is happening while remaining a safe distance from the site in case a dangerous body is detected. The entire scanning process takes about 10 seconds.
MOI launched a new vehicle with innovative systems for intelligent inspection at #Hamad_International_Airport pic.twitter.com/BYP7r7akqU
— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) August 13, 2014
The vehicle is initiated by Departments of Airport Security & Airport Passports in collaboration Lekhwiya. #Qatar pic.twitter.com/VkLripLbG7
— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) August 13, 2014
The smart vehicle can identify contraband weapons, drugs and explosives, screen travelers and travel documents. pic.twitter.com/KaoZ2oD4xj
— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) August 13, 2014
Source: Doha News | By Shabina S. Khatri with reporting from Riham Sheble
It would be nice if they have a few more immigration counters open. They know the flights coming into the country, they know or have the passenger list, so logically they know there will be quite a few people arriving into Qatar. Likewise, when departure, they have the information, so why long queues
With too much to think during our travel time, at least here in Qatar you will feel comfortable when it comes to safety issues. Excellent Job Sir!