Becks may be high-profile target for al-Qaida in Dubai

London: Ace footballer David Beckham’s protection may turnout to be the biggest-ever security operation when he arrives in Dubai on Monday to make his debut for AC Milan, for top officials fear that he may be an ideal high-profile target for Muslim fanatics.

Spies at the intelligence agency MI6 are afraid that al-Qaida may attack the United Arab Emirates “any time”.

Beckham will be making several public appearances before the January 6 friendly match against Hamburg.

“It’s a huge headache. We are planning as if it is a state visit. Security measures could not be any higher,” the Daily Star quoted one security source as saying.

“We’re used to stars coming to Dubai but what makes this different are the public appearances he will be making – autograph signings and training sessions.

“Fans want to meet him face-to-face and that poses a different kind of risk to what we normally see,” the source added.

Armed guards will be watching Beckham round the clock, and roads around the venues for his training may be sealed off.

Even those allowed anywhere near Beckham would have to pass through airport-style scanning machines.