Bon voyage: Things to check before leaving for Dubai airport

Passengers in queue for their travel at Dubai International Airport.-Photo by Shihab/ Khaleej Times

Millions of travellers pass through the Dubai airport every year: Last year, there were 89.1 million. And out of this number, there were thousands who had unintentionally put some prohibited items in their bags. Have you ever been one of them?
From August to September last year, at least 41,000 cases of confiscations were recorded by the Dubai Police at the airport, said Brigadier-General Mohammed Bin Dylan, Deputy Director of the General Directorate of Airport Security.
In most cases, bringing the prohibited item - a pair of scissors in the hand luggage, a power bank or a laptop in the checked baggage - was an honest mistake and the traveller wasn't aware of the regulations.
This is why this summer - when several residents are flying out of the country for holidays - the Dubai Police launched a campaign called 'Let Your Travel Be Fun', which focuses on reminding people about the things that they shouldn't bring with them when they travel, as well as some guidelines in packing certain items.
It was kicked off on Wednesday and would run until August 31, targeting both local and international travellers on different platforms, including social media. The police have also partnered with the consulates of the Philippines, Pakistan and Bangladesh to disseminate the campaign messages to their communities.
"The travel process starts right at the traveller's home, when he packs his baggage," said Brig-Gen Bin Dylan.
Taking the extra minutes to check whether you have any prohibited item in your bag not only help the police maintain security at the airport, it will also speed up your journey and make your travel experience a lot smoother.
Brig-Gen Bin Dylan said that if a traveller knows all the prohibited items; the right baggage allowance and sizes; and the items that must be carried in the hand bag, the process would be much easier for him, as well as the airport authorities.
Sample cases
There are items that a traveller must carry in his or her hand luggage, the officer said. These include power banks, laptops or other electronics.
In other cases, some things - like knives, scissors or cutting tools - must be packed into the checked baggage. However, some others could be completely seized, and for those caught with illegal items, a case can be filed by the police.
Brig-Gen Bin Dylan said some medicines are considered prohibited items, unless the traveller can present an approved medical prescription that clarifies he uses the medicine for treatment. Such prescriptions must be approved from the Dubai Health Department.
Any other items, such as food, plants or antiques, would have to be examined by Dubai Customs authorities, he added.
Dubai airport security tips
1-Make sure you're not carrying any prohibited item in your hand luggage. The list includes: hammers; nails; screw drivers; sharp work tools; scissors with blades longer than six centimetres; personal grooming kit; all types of swords and sharp objects; handcuffs; firearms; laser guns; walkie talkie; lighters (only one lighter is permitted); bats; martial arts weapon; drills; ropes; measuring tapes; packing tapes; and electrical cables (except for personal trip use)
2-Put 'loose' items - mobile phone, wallet, watch, keys, etc - in your hand baggage.
3-Place liquid containers in a clear, resealable plastic bag, within your hand baggage. Remember each liquid can't be more than 100ml. Exemptions will be made for: medication, baby milk/foods and special dietary requirements to be used during your trip.
Personal allowances
1-Gifts not exceeding Dh3,000.
2-Cash above Dh100,000 must be declared.
3-Maximum of 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 500 grammes of tobacco.
4-Maximum of 4 litres alcohol, 48 cans of beer.
5Medication: A maximum three months' supply of medication for your personal use. Please include an original prescription from a registered medical practitioner. No psychotropic medicines are allowed without prior approval from the Ministry of Health.
SOURCE: www.dubaiairports.ae
Dubai Land Department begins smart home security drive
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) on Wednesday (July 17) announced the start of the implementation of the partnership it had signed with the Dubai Police for the new smart home security system.
Incorporating other parties, including major real estate developers in Dubai, the agreement aims to spread security awareness about the benefits of the new home security programme. The DLD will also be organising workshops for real estate professionals.
"The primary objective of our meeting with DLD and developers is to encourage citizens and residents to utilise and instal the system to protect their homes," said Lt-Col Rashid Abdul Rahman bin Zabawi Al Falasi, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department.
Owners and tenants can easily instal the smart devices. The new system is safe and authorises access to the landlord, not the police. Additional meetings will be organised with specialists, including owners' associations, registered developers, and registration trustees, among others.
Majid Saqr Al Marri, CEO of the Registration and Real Estate Services sector at DLD, said: "The DLD is the main focus of this agreement, through which the police will spread awareness about the new system."
hesham@khaleejtimes.com
reporters@khaleejtimes.com