Difference between revisions of "United Arab Emirates"

Revision as of 16:50, 26 January 2016

In 2006, the United Arab Emirates announced it would build a DNA database of its entire population. The UK Forensic Science Service (FSS) originally signed contracts to develop the database, but the FSS has since closed down due to bankruptcy.

In practice, the UAE appears to have abandoned the plan to put its whole population on a DNA database and has instead focused on improving the quality of DNA analysis from crime scenes.

Resources

• External links
  • Abu Dhabi Police: Abu Dhabi Police Reviews Forensic Laboratories Techniques in Belarus (21st March 2014)
  • Abu Dhabi Police: Forensic Evidence Department Renews ISO Certificate (2nd January 2014)
  • Abu Dhabi Police: Discussing means to Increase Participants of Emirates DNA Team (31st July 2012)
  • Abu Dhabi Police
  • Dubai Police
  • UKAS: Schedule of Accreditation (19th December 2013)
  • World Record Academy: Largest biometric database: Emirates Identity Authority sets world record (17th October 2012)
  • UK Parliamentary Question: FSS Contracts (27th January 2011)
  • Al Qhatany (2011): DIRECT DNA AMPLIFICATION USING POWERPLEX 18D IN ABU DHABI FORENSIC EVIDENCE DEPARTMENT
• Press releases
  • GeneWatch PR: Scientists and Royals both have responsibility for human rights (12th March 2011)
  • GeneWatch, CRG and PI PR: Prince Andrew linked to Blair plan to DNA test whole population of UAE (11th March 2011)
• Press articles
  • The National: Stay away, don’t try to play with us: Dubai Police tell Pink Panther gang (24th March 2014)
  • Gulf News: Dubai Police: Keeping one step ahead, always (7th June 2013)
  • Daijiworld: Dubai Police to Get Training in DNA Technology at Lucknow (10th November 2011)
  • The Guardian: Prince Andrew urged to undergo human rights awareness training (11th March 2011)
  • Public Service: Palace denies 'shameful' database link (11th March 2011)
  • Arab Health: UAE to collect 10 million DNA samples - Project to involve all residents and will cost Dh4 billion (19th January 2011)
  • The National: Forensic evidence traps more criminals in UAE (18th January 2011)
  • Gulf News: UAE aims to create DNA database in 10-year project (18th January 2011)
  • Khaleej Times: Police to set up DNA database nationwide (19th January 2011)
  • Gulf Times: GCC mulls sharing personal data in war against crime, terror (26th November 2010)
  • The National: Single card for residents next year (13th October 2009)
    Dr al Khouri said. "We have explored the issue of consolidating the DNA database with the national ID, but we agreed that at this stage we will not be doing that. The vision is to have one prime database."
  • The National: UAE is urged to find a balance (7th October 2009)
  • LA Times: UAE: Government to create DNA database of all residents, starting with children (7th October 2009)
    Reports that Sir Alec Jeffreys, the British geneticist who invented DNA fingerpinting, questioned the ethics of the UAE's planned database, calling for a "full transparent justification of why a universal database is needed compared with a criminal DNA database."
  • TimeOut Dubai: UAE aims to begin collecting DNA samples from residents in a year (7th October 2009)
    Reports that the UAE aims to begin collecting DNA samples from residents in a year. The order would probably be issued as a security directive and not require the passage of new legislation. The goal is to take 1 million samples a year with the project itself possibly taking up to 10 years.
  • The National: DNA database set to start in a year (7th October 2009)
  • The National: DNA databank proposal raises privacy concerns (2nd October 2009)
    Reports privacy concerns within UAE.
  • Khaleej Times: Abu Dhabi Interpol Signs DNA charter (2nd November 2008)
  • Kaleej Times: Police building unified DNA database to fight crime (20th March 2006)
    Dr Colonel Ahmed Hassan Al Awadhi, Director of the Criminal Evidence Department at the Abu Dhabi Police General Directorate, announces that they have set the ground for a DNA database "which will contain the information on the DNA of each and every Emarati and expatriate living in the UAE" and that this is part of UAE's identity card project.
  • FSS Press Release (January 2006) 31st January 2006
  • Arabian Business: Deal inked to develop criminal evidence lab (31st January 2006)
    Reports that Prince Andrew said he was delighted at what he called the "first class partnership" between the UK Forensic Science Service Laboratory and the Abu Dhabi Police. He also expressed hope that this contract would be the beginning of a "long and developing relationship" between the UAE and Britain.
  • Abu Dhabi Police Press Release: The Abu Dhabi Police and UK Forensic laboratory have signed a contract for rehabilitation and development of Abu Dhabi Police criminal evidence laboratory (25th January 2006)
  • 7Days: DNA database (21st December 2005)
    Reports that all residents of the UAE could soon be made to provide DNA samples to the government if new plans to compile a DNA database to help police solve crimes are approved. An unnamed spokesman states: "We are still working out the details and mechanisms of how those samples would be collected and used but most likely, saliva samples would be taken from people when they apply for their unified national identification cards". A person's DNA data would then be included on their ID cards - the mandatory cards are set to be introduced next year for both UAE nationals and expats and will also include other biometric information such as fingerprints.