National security is critical to a region whose infrastructure is a vital component of the global supply chain, said John A McCarthy, director of Critical National Infrastructure Authority (CNIA).

McCarthy was addressing delegates at The National Security Summit 2008 held by the International Quality & Productivity Center (IQPC) at Shangri-La Hotel Dubai. 

'The United Arab Emirates, as well as the other GCC countries, have been visionary in their approach addressing the very real and complex threats to vital infrastructure and borders including terrorism, crime, natural disasters, and damage to the environment,' said McCarthy.

He added that participating in the conference was an excellent opportunity to boost important dialogue with both public and private sector partners, sharing proven solutions as well as explaining CNIA's unique leadership role in Abu Dhabi and the UAE as the 'Guardians of the Nation's Prosperity'.

Also on the agenda for the first day of the conference, Mohamed Matar Al Maari, executive director of Dubai Customs presented a session on protecting Middle Eastern borders by developing capabilities essential to identify threats.

Other officials enriching the conference agenda with views and case studies include Thamer Rashed al Qasemi of Emirates Identity Authority, Jassim Al Teniji of the UAE Ministry of Interior-Ras Al Khaimah, Col Azhar Al Kindi of Oman's National Committee for Civil Defence, Michael Elmquist of the Danish Emergency Management Agency, Tarja Mankkinen of Finland's Ministry of Interior, and Richard Lennane of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs.

The conference is attended by many official delegations including representatives of Dubai Police, Dubai Customs, Abu Dhabi Security Exchange, and Dubai Airports among others. - TradeArabia News Service