As Virtual Reality becomes more embedded in the business and the public sector, HTC VIVE has collaborated with VRMADA to deploy a one-of-a-kind Virtual Reality training programme for Dubai Customs to train their inspectors for fieldwork. The training is designed to offer real-life experience to participants and to improve inspectors’ efficiency in identifying illegal items.
During GITEX Technology Week 2018, at Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) stand, Dubai Customs, an entity of PCFC, confirmed that VR sessions are being implemented for sea-related inspector training and are as well planned for implementation on airport passenger terminals, air cargo, Jebel Ali and land customs centres over the next phases.
Khawla Al-Saleis, Administration Affairs Director at Dubai Customs, said: “The virtual reality programme teaches our inspectors how to start their day before the inspection – all the safety tools should be ready before they go to the ports. It will teach them how to inspect hidden and illegal items such as drugs, weapons and others. Every time the inspectors find an illegal item, they will get points. When they receive enough points, they can go on to the next level.”
“The idea behind this cutting-edge programme is to enhance the capacity of our new Customs inspection recruits who will gain practical on-the-job training through an enjoyable experience of learning through VR. Therefore, they will retain information faster and get ready for fieldwork placement right away,” added Al-Saleis.
Ramit Harisinghani, VP and Head of Middle East and Africa at HTC VIVE, said: “It is exciting to see Dubai Customs embrace VR to develop the first of its kind training programme. VR is pushing boundaries and creating new ways to interact with content and experiences. Our recently launched wireless VR experience has unveiled the next revolution and will offer unprecedented and truly immersive experiences to enterprises and consumers across the Middle East. We have been working with some key government and private sector entities to help them embrace VR, thereby creating exciting opportunities for a wide range of industries. HTC Vive remains committed to building the VR ecosystem and making VR experience more accessible to individual users, businesses and developers around the world.”
Rami Mohamad, CEO Middle East at VRMADA, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Dubai Customs on this ongoing project. Our partnership and close collaboration with HTC Vive enables us to deliver the highest levels of realism and performance, as demanded by our Virtual Reality training software. Dubai Customs’ Virtual Reality training programme sets a new benchmark for Virtual Reality-based training and certification programmes globally and certainly reinforces Dubai’s position as a major hub of innovation.”
