Emirates Group Security

DUBAI, U.A.E. – 28th June 2011 - The Dutch Government, represented by His Excellency, Kees V.A. van Spronsen, HM Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, presented Emirates’ Group Security division with an award of appreciation this week, for its efforts to safeguard borders and combat illegal immigration.

The award was presented to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group by Major General (ret.) Diederik Fabius, Ministerial Advisor on International Immigration Affairs, Netherlands.

"Emirates takes a very serious stand on matters relating to international security. The role played by airlines in border control is increasingly important and we have a rigorous process in place to protect the destinations that we fly to and stop illegal immigration," said Sheikh Ahmed.

Emirates Group Security is tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that all Emirates passengers travelling through Dubai International Airport are properly documented, making Group Security staff at the airport the first line of defence in border protection.

"The Immigration and Naturalisation Service of the Government of the Netherlands recognizes and appreciates the services of Emirates Group Security at Dubai International Airport. The thorough levels of checks undertaken by them make an important contribution to the control of illegal immigration and to the safety of air transport," said His Excellency, Kees V.A. van Spronsen.

"The strong relationship between the Dutch Government and Emirates Group Security has helped to support a positive flow of communication between both parties in relation to potential security concerns. This open dialogue has allowed us to develop an astute, more integrated approach to border control," said Dr Abdulla Al Hashimi, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Group Security.

Emirates Group Security have been awarded with several awards for its border enforcement regulations including from the United Kingdom, Canadian and Australian Governments.

From left to right - Jeroen De Graaf, Director, Directorate Specialist Services and International Cooperation, Major General (ret.) Diederik Fabius, Ministerial Advisor on International Immigration Affairs, Netherlands, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, Kees V.A. van Spronsen, HM Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Dr. Abdulla Al Hashimi, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Group Security.

Also attending the award presentation were a number of officials from the Dutch Embassy as well as a number of Emirates Group Security senior executives.