Staff Reporter, Gulf Today

Abu Dhabi Airports, the operator and manager of the emirate’s five airports, has recently signed an agreement with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), to boost service quality and enhance passenger experience.

The agreement stems from Abu Dhabi Airports and ICP’s keenness to adopt best practices in areas of security, safety and air transport.  This partnership aims to achieve the highest levels of service excellence at all terminals and facilities of Abu Dhabi Airports.

The service agreement was signed by of Major General Saeed Salem Balhas Al Shamsi, Executive Director of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Abu Dhabi, and Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, in the presence of Brigadier General Mohamed Ahmed bin Abbad Al Hameli, Director of Air and Sea Ports Department.

Commenting on the agreement, Major General Saeed Al Shamsi, Executive Director of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Abu Dhabi, stated that this agreement is a testament of a long-standing journey of joint efforts and collaboration with Abu Dhabi Airports and various entities related to the authority’s services provided through the Department of Air and Sea Ports.

He highlighted that the authority is leading the mission of enhancing travel procedures of passport checking and passenger transit procedures in alignment with the highest service quality standards, leveraging state-of-the-art technologies and systems to verify travel documents and entry permits for departures and arrivals, especially through smart gates and electronic service stations.

He added that the signing of this agreement reflects mutual interest to advance work mechanisms, highlight potential collaboration areas and reinforce commitment by a unified vision that instills a culture of service excellence.

Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Our agreement with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security is a reflection of the continuous collaboration with strategic partners to enhance the business ecosystem and improve passenger experience at Abu Dhabi airports in a way that embodies the wise leadership’s vision to provide distinguished services to travelers, which contributes to strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global destination.”

Abu Dhabi Airports is part of ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies with a diverse portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s non-oil economy. It was established in March 2006 to spearhead the development of the Emirate’s aviation infrastructure. In September 2006, Abu Dhabi Airports assumed responsibility for the operation and management of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain International Airports. In 2008, Abu Dhabi Airports added Al Bateen Executive Airport (an exclusive business aviation airport), as well as Sir Bani Yas and Delma Island Airports to its portfolio. These airports are geared to serve the various segments of air travellers, the aviation marketplace, and will help contribute to Abu Dhabi’s development as a destination for both business and leisure tourism.