His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor of Special Affairs at the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Airports' Board of Directors, received Kristi Noem, the United States Secretary of Homeland Security, during a high-level visit to Zayed International Airport (AUH).
The meeting underscored ongoing cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the United States in aviation safety and border security. During the reception, both officials discussed the importance of maintaining world-class standards in airport operations and the shared commitment to facilitating secure and efficient international travel.
As part of the official visit, an extensive tour of AUH was conducted, with a specific focus on security procedures within the pre-clearance area for flights departing to the United States. The US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) Central Operations Room represents a critical component of the airport’s infrastructure, allowing passengers to undergo US immigration and customs inspections before they board their flights.
The visit included tours of the modern digital systems and technologies in use, including in baggage handling, and provided a detailed look at how Abu Dhabi Airports manages these complex processes at AUH while ensuring smooth transitions for travellers.
Eric Gaudiosi, Chargé d’Affaires, US Mission to the UAE, said: "We were pleased to welcome Secretary Kristi Noem to Zayed International Airport (AUH) and the US Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility, a clear example of what the US-UAE partnership delivers; enhanced security that facilitates legitimate travel and commerce. This facility exemplifies our shared commitment to secure borders and efficient travel while simultaneously strengthening the economic ties and trade flows that drive prosperity for both our countries."
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “In line with ongoing UAE-US cooperation, Abu Dhabi Airports is committed to the safety of aviation systems and ensuring border security is efficiently managed. As the only one of its kind in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, the USCBP is a key part Zayed International Airport’s (AUH) proposition for travellers to destinations in the United States. Along with its cutting-edge technology systems and expertise in efficient airport management, AUH serves as a model of how to ensure safety protocols while ensuring a premium passenger experience.”
