Governments and organisations must develop more effective counter-drone management to combat a surge in aerial security incidents around the globe, an expert has said.
Shaun Ryles, counter-drone team lead at British consultancy Global Security and Disaster Management, said attacks in Saudi Arabia and other incidents, such as the infamous 2018 drone episode at the UK's Gatwick Airport, showed how dangerous and disruptive they could be.
Speaking at the World Police Summit in Dubai on Monday, Mr Ryles said tighter regulation of recreational drone use and new legislation to tackle criminal activity would help address the issue.
“Devastating fixed-wing drone attacks on Middle East oil refinery facilities, oil tankers and airports has unfortunately highlighted the need to be more robustly prepared,” he said.
Devastating fixed-wing drone attacks on Middle East oil refinery facilities, oil tankers and airports has unfortunately highlighted the need to be more robustly prepared.
Shaun Ryles,
Global Security and Disaster Management
“The common thread will be one of the organisation thriving and surviving in the face of that disruption.
“Highly resilient organisations are more likely to secure more successful strategic and operational outcomes in the face of severe disruptions, [causing less impact] on the economy.”
Mr Ryles said governments, policing authorities and private sector players will be needed to counter drone attacks.
Mr Ryles said better resilience planning meant organisations could anticipate, prepare for and respond and adapt to everything from minor everyday events, brought on by drone hobbyists, to larger threats and attacks by criminals.
To stay ahead of threats, companies need to regularly review their systems, processes, training, equipment needs, he said.
He referred to the drone incident at Gatwick Airport that resulted in the airport being shut down for two days. More than 1,000 flights were disrupted, affecting close to 140,000 passengers.
The Gatwick incident was the first time a major airport had been shut down by drone activity.
Mr Ryles said better management would have significantly decreased the disruption that was caused.
“There are many external security protocols that can significantly add to a mitigation plan,” said Mr Ryles.
“A resilient approach will by its nature also address the key components of crisis communication, and aftermath management which technology alone will not address.
“This was certainly a very dear lesson that was learnt at Gatwick years ago.
“Whatever the outcome of the drone incursion, there will always be a need to justify actions or restraints in the aftermath.
“One of the most striking and recurring themes that I've encountered working in the front line of counter drone activities has been the disproportionate benefits to be had from relatively modest investment in counter-drone education, training and awareness of the counter-drone technology landscape.”
He said investment in this area creates “more informed and less reactive procurement decision making” when dealing with drone attacks, which in turn instils a better understanding of the threat and risk landscape.
The World Police Summit continues until Thursday.
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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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Transmission: eight-speed automatic
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Two-time World Pro champion renowned for her aggressive game. She is tall and most feared by her opponents for both her triangles and arm-bar attacks.
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Samantha Cook, 32, (Britain)
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Date started: February 2017
Founders: Amira Rashad (CEO), Yusuf Saber (CTO), Mahmoud Sayedahmed (adviser), Reda Bouraoui (adviser)
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: E-commerce
Size: 50 employees
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Investors: Beco Capital, Enabling Future and Wain in the UAE; China's MSA Capital; 500 Startups; Faith Capital and Savour Ventures in Kuwait
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Director: Nick Bruno and Troy Quane
Stars: Will Smith, Tom Holland, Karen Gillan and Roshida Jones
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
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- 600-seat auditorium
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- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
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- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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Cricket World Cup League Two
Nepal, Oman, United States tri-series
Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu
Fixtures
Wednesday February 5, Oman v Nepal
Thursday, February 6, Oman v United States
Saturday, February 8, United States v Nepal
Sunday, February 9, Oman v Nepal
Tuesday, February 11, Oman v United States
Wednesday, February 12, United States v Nepal
Table
The top three sides advance to the 2022 World Cup Qualifier.
The bottom four sides are relegated to the 2022 World Cup playoff
1 United States 8 6 2 0 0 12 0.412
2 Scotland 8 4 3 0 1 9 0.139
3 Namibia 7 4 3 0 0 8 0.008
4 Oman 6 4 2 0 0 8 -0.139
5 UAE 7 3 3 0 1 7 -0.004
6 Nepal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 PNG 8 0 8 0 0 0 -0.458
Ukraine%20exports
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TEST SQUADS
Bangladesh: Mushfiqur Rahim (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mominul Haque, Nasir Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Mehedi Hasan, Shafiul Islam, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed.
Australia: Steve Smith (captain), David Warner, Ashton Agar, Hilton Cartwright, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Matthew Wade, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Mitchell Swepson and Jackson Bird.
DUNGEONS%20%26%20DRAGONS%3A%20HONOR%20AMONG%20THIEVES
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