Dubai, United Arab Emirates – April 15, 2025
As part of its continued efforts to enhance the monitoring and inspection framework for dual-use goods trade, the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA), in collaboration with the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) in Germany, successfully hosted a four-day training and awareness workshop titled:
“Export and Import Control of Dual-Use Goods.”
The workshop took place from April 7 to 10, 2025, and brought together a distinguished group of international experts and representatives from key Dubai Government entities, including Dubai Customs, Dubai Municipality, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and the Executive Office for Control and Non-Proliferation, alongside participants from the local security industry.
This initiative underscores SIRA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening partnerships with local and international stakeholders to support Dubai’s security ecosystem. It also reflects the agency’s focus on empowering various departments, such as its Restricted Goods Department, which oversees the issuance of permits for hazardous materials and dual-use goods in the Emirate.
Workshop Objectives
The workshop aimed to:
Enhance the technical and professional capabilities of Dubai Government employees working in the dual-use goods control sector.
Provide a comprehensive understanding of the procedures and protocols involved in monitoring dual-use goods.
Implement practical simulations to reflect real-world operations.
Build capacity in evaluating license applications based on internationally recognized legal, technical, and administrative standards.
The workshop also focused on:
Enhancing decision-making tools related to licensing.
Improving institutional coordination.
Promoting compliance with global governance best practices to elevate oversight quality and reinforce Dubai’s position as a regional hub for trade and security compliance.
Expert Contributions
The sessions were led by a team of international specialists, including:
Mr. Werner Knapp, Department Head at BAFA – Germany
Mr. Janis Brozowski, Project Manager at BAFA – Germany
Mr. Nikolai Karthaus, Licensing Expert at BAFA – Germany
Mr. John Noble, Senior End-Use Assessment Expert – United Kingdom
Their expertise provided attendees with in-depth insights into international standards and best practices for dual-use goods control.
Workshop Conclusion and Future Outlook
The workshop concluded with a comprehensive evaluation session, during which key findings and participant feedback were shared. Discussions also focused on future steps to strengthen collaboration between the security industry and international partners, with an emphasis on continuing specialized training and expanding the exchange of knowledge and best practices.
Recognition and Appreciation
In a gesture of appreciation, SIRA honored the German delegation for their valuable contributions.
Mr. Sultan Al Qamzi, Director of the Restricted Goods Department at SIRA, presented a commemorative shield and certificate of appreciation to Mr. Werner Knapp, Head of the German delegation and Department Head at BAFA.
Additionally, BAFA representatives honored participating staff from various Dubai Government entities, recognizing their active engagement and commitment to the training sessions. This mutual recognition reflects the shared dedication to capacity building and fostering global cooperation in trade compliance.