MONTREAL, 2nd June, 2025 (WAM) -- The United Arab Emirates has officially deposited its instruments of accession to the Beijing Convention on the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Relating to International Civil Aviation and the 2010 Beijing Protocol, in a move that underscores the country's firm commitment to enhancing the international legal framework for aviation security.

The deposit took place during an official ceremony at the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) headquarters in Montreal, Canada.

The ceremony was attended by Abdulrahman Ali Al Neyadi, UAE Ambassador to Canada, and Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary-General of ICAO, along with members of the UAE's Permanent Mission to ICAO and senior ICAO officials.

Adopted in 2010, the Beijing Convention is a key international treaty that criminalises terrorist acts targeting civil aviation. It prohibits the use of civil aircraft as weapons, the use of dangerous materials to attack aircraft or ground targets, and the unlawful transportation of biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), commented, "The UAE's accession to the Beijing Convention and its 2010 Protocol reflects our active role in promoting global aviation security. We remain committed to working with the international community to safeguard the aviation industry from unlawful threats and to support a safe, secure, and resilient airspace for all."

This latest step aligns with the UAE's broader efforts to strengthen legal mechanisms that counter cross-border threats to aviation and affirms its adherence to international obligations under the Chicago Convention and its Annexes.

With this accession, the UAE adds a new chapter to its strong record in supporting international aviation law, further solidifying its position as a proactive global partner in shaping a safer and more sustainable future for civil aviation.