As part of their continued commitment to strengthening aviation security and facilitation, the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO), in cooperation with the ICAO Middle East Regional Office (ICAO MID) and the Cooperative Aviation Security Programme – Middle East (CASP MID), organized a Joint Regional Workshop on "Aviation Security and Facilitation". The workshop was held virtually from 20 to 22 July 2026.

The workshop commenced with opening remarks delivered by:

• Mr. Mohamed Khalifa Rahm, Regional Director of the ICAO Middle East Regional Office (ICAO MID);

• Mr. Mohammed bin Saad Al-Fozan, Chairman of the Cooperative Aviation Security Programme – Middle East (CASP MID);

• Eng. Khalid Cherkaoui, Director General of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO).

In their opening statements, the distinguished speakers emphasized the importance of further strengthening cooperation and coordination among international and regional organizations and the Arab States. They also highlighted the need to support capacity-building initiatives and promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise to enhance aviation security and facilitation systems while keeping pace with emerging international challenges and requirements.

The workshop aimed to strengthen regional cooperation, build capacities, and facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices among the Arab States, thereby contributing to the continuous development of aviation security and facilitation systems and enhancing States' preparedness to address current and future challenges in line with international standards and recommended practices.

The workshop addressed several key topics, including:

• Emerging threats and challenges affecting civil aviation security;

• Regional implementation of the Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP);

• The next generation of airports;

• Cyber threats and strengthening cybersecurity for interconnected aviation systems;

• ICAO's regulatory role in the field of facilitation;

• Best practices and experience-sharing on National Facilitation Committees and National Facilitation Programmes;

• Passenger data systems, border management tools, and the Interpol Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) Database;

• Regional cooperation, capacity-building, and training programmes.

The workshop brought together more than 100 participants representing Arab States, regional and international organizations, and the aviation industry. In addition, 25 international experts delivered presentations and technical interventions highlighting the latest developments, experiences, and best practices related to the workshop themes.

The interactive panel discussions held throughout the workshop provided a valuable platform for exchanging views and discussing the key challenges facing Arab States in strengthening aviation security and facilitation, against the backdrop of evolving security threats, rapid digital transformation, and the continuous growth of air transport. The workshop also enabled participants to exchange experiences, showcase regional and international initiatives, and explore practical solutions aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of aviation security and facilitation systems.

The workshop concluded with a set of recommendations emphasizing the importance of further strengthening regional cooperation and coordination, supporting capacity-building and training programmes, and promoting the exchange of expertise and best practices among the Arab States. These efforts will contribute to enhancing aviation security and facilitation, improving States' ability to address current and future challenges, and ensuring alignment with the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).