World Hi-Tech Forum 2010 highlights improved identity testing in the UAE

At the World Hi-Tech Forum 2010: Focus UAE, held on 14 October at The Dorchester Hotel in London, Dr Ali M. Al-Khouri, director general of the Emirates Identity Authority, spoke on improvements in testing for identity in the UAE.

The UK's Minister for Security, Baroness Neville-Jones highlighted the role of the World High-Tech Forum in promoting global partnering and technology transfer in the security sector. She was joined in the session on security by Dr Ali M. Al-Khouri, Sir Paul Stephenson, Commissioner of the UK's Metropolitan Police and Professor Adam Ogilvie-Smith of the Office for Security & Counter-Terrorism at the British Home Office.

The Forum was opened by Lord Ahmed of Rotherham, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary group on Entrepreneurship and was followed by a keynote speech by the police attaché at the UAE Embassy, Lt. Colonel Saif Al Ghafli. The Forum welcomed around 300 delegates and was chaired by ITV and BBC journalist, Nicholas Owen who hosted a discussion for speakers and delegates after each plenary session.

A gala dinner was also held at the Science Museum to complement the event, where BBC television presenter Nick Ross presided over an international awards ceremony. Dr Ali M. Al-Khouri was presented with an award for Security Innovation and the award for Outstanding Business Leadership went to Khalaf Ahmed Al-Habtoor, chairman of Al-Habtoor Group.

The aim of the Forum is to concentrate on a different ‘focus country’ each year, with presentations from government and leading companies providing valuable high-level, shared learning. The Forums bring the global community together to facilitate technological and business partnerships.

Chair of the World Hi-Tech Forum, Dr Muhammad Farmer, the director of the organiser, the British Institute of Technology and E-commerce (BITE) said: “We were delighted with the response to this year’s Forum with international delegates filling the ballroom of The Dorchester. The speeches confirmed that the UAE is interested in close international partnerships incorporating the latest technological innovations.”