Ground handler dnata has opened a new centralised screening control room at its Dubai International Airport (DXB) cargo facility as part of efforts to digitalise security processes.
The new control room was developed in partnership with Dubai Police and combines real-time automation with enhanced security oversight.
Dubai Police officers can now remotely operate and monitor six X-ray screening machines across dnata’s warehouse.
Each device is connected to One Cargo, dnata’s digital cargo management system that automates key business and operational functions, dnata explained in a press release.
“This allows for instant data sharing, streamlined workflows, and faster decision-making,” the company said.
The service provider said that previously, screening was conducted at multiple warehouse locations, leading to higher resource use and reduced efficiency.
“The new centralised approach consolidates all processes into one hub, reducing screening time and improving throughput by around 3% annually,” the company explained.
Dnata chief cargo officer Guillaume Crozier added: “Through close collaboration with Dubai Police, we’ve introduced a model that strengthens security, boosts efficiency, and reflects Dubai’s commitment to innovation.”
The company handles around 60,000 tonnes per month at its DXB facility and volumes at its Dubai operations have been growing rapidly – up around 30% year on year across DXB and DWC in the 2024 financial year.
Dnata added that the new control room is part of wider efforts to automate and digitalise operations in Dubai
It is also exploring autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that can move shipments across the warehouse floor – reducing forklift movements and improving space utilisation, as well as testing automated dimensioning and load-optimisation tools that use sensors and smart algorithms to capture the size and weight of every shipment.