UAE invests millions in bomb scanning devices

Major Fawaz Badran Al Qaraeen of the Abu Dhabi Police inspects the new bomb scanning equipment.

Hi-tech scanners capable of detecting nuclear or traditional explosive devices in luggage and cargo are being installed at airports, border crossings and government buildings throughout the UAE.

The scanners, supplied by US-based Scantech Holdings, will be capable of detecting traces of explosives through a foot of steel, according to the manufacturer.

The UAE government will invest millions of dollars in the technology, according to a report in Abu Dhabi-based daily The National, even though officials say there is no current known threat to the country.

Abu Dhabi police official, Major Fawaz Badran al Qaraeen, told The National that the system is being introduced as part of an overall effort to modernise security. It will be capable of detecting nuclear and radioactive material, explosives, drugs and liquid materials, he revealed.

He stressed that the investment is not being made due to any imminent threat. "It is a precaution. The aim is to be comprehensive in providing security," he said.

ScanTech will initially supply Abu Dhabi with two different scanning machines, a mobile unit that could be installed at airports and buildings, and a larger, permanent scanning machine that could survey shipping containers.

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