'International Conference on Policymaking: The Future of Ports' kicks off in Dubai
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, the 'International Conference on Policymaking: The Future of Ports' officially began today, Tuesday, at Madinat Jumeirah.
Organized by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)-Dubai, the event brought together a distinguished group of global leaders, experts, decision-makers, and researchers to strategise and devise a roadmap for crafting policies shaping the future of ports.
Present at the inauguration ceremony were His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), HE Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai, HE Abdullah Al Basti, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA-Dubai.
The conference commenced with an opening speech delivered by HE Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, during which he extended a warm welcome to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as well as to distinguished participants and guests.
During his address, His Excellency emphasised Dubai's unwavering commitment to upholding the highest global standards of service across its land, sea, and air ports. He reaffirmed that GDRFA is making every effort to realise the forward-looking goals set by the UAE's wise leadership, positioning the country as a pre-eminent global hub in the tourism and travel sectors.
Al Marri emphasized that the UAE, and particularly Dubai, stand out for their careful and proactive planning, persistent innovation, foresight in identifying future opportunities and challenges, strategic preparation, and prominent leadership on the global platform. These concerted efforts have effectively revolutionized the tourism and travel industry, reinforcing the UAE's status as a premier destination in this sector.
He concluded his speech by expressing his hopes for the confidence to come up with recommendations that would enhance the security, adaptability, simplicity, and accessibility of future ports while taking into account humanitarian aspects in this endeavour.
The conference featured a captivating hologram video presentation that provided an insightful overview of Dubai's advancements in the field of smart travel and its vision for the future of ports.
The conference’s agenda also included a key session delivered by François Laruelle, Director of ETIAS Division at Frontex, in addition to a vibrant panel discussion centred around the theme "Future Challenges and Innovative Solutions".
Moderated by Edgar Beugels, head of Frontex's research and development unit (Frontex), the panel attracted notable figures, including HE Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, Deputy Director General of GDRFA, and HE Adel Ahmed Al Redha, Chief Operating Officer of Emirates Airline. They were joined by Tricia Kennedy, acting director, Strategic Transformation Office and CBP One product owner for OFO; Stephen G. Grant, Director of Business Development and Strategic Alliances at Identity Verification; and Miguel Leitmann, Co-Founder and Group CEO for Vision-Box.
The session delved into innovative strategies and technological developments aimed at accelerating border control processes while also maintaining heightened levels of security and safety. The panel also reflected on the escalating challenges brought forth by rising passenger volumes and brainstormed potential strategies to mitigate them.
Subsequently, the conference progressed to its second session, delivered by Kelly Lim, Director of Operations Sector in the Emigration Department of Singapore. The session, themed "Maritime Border Leadership and Success Experience in Singapore", offered insights into Singapore's exemplary approach to maritime border management, encompassing strategic planning and the deployment of innovative policies and technologies. Concurrently, Major General Abdul Wahab Al Rai from Egypt illuminated the audience with the significant developments around the Suez Canal in a separate keynote address.
Additionally, HE Thani Al Zaffin, General Director and Board Member of emaratech, a strategic partner to GDRFA, shed light on the topic of seamless travel and discussed the challenges encountered and the innovative solutions devised to improve the passenger experience through the portals of Dubai Airports.
The series of discussions progressed with a fourth session themed "Building a Secure Future for Land Ports", delivered by Ahmed Abu Hantash, Partner, Technology Consulting, PwC Middle East.