Dubai Police: From Forts to Smart Stations

Dubai Police Force: From Fortress to AI-Driven Smart Stations

Dubai Police was established over six decades ago on June 1, 1956—nearly 15 years before the UAE came into being. Back then, a simple fortress in the Naif district safeguarded the city, housing a police force that vigilantly watched the night as Dubai's residents slept. The first headquarters was the Naif Fort, built from two types of clay, and it still stands today as the Naif Police Station and a police museum.

At the time of its founding, the police force had a clear goal: to protect the land and its people. Although the tools and methods have changed dramatically since then, the mission has remained the same. The first commander was a British-born man who spoke fluent Arabic and served dressed in Bedouin attire. The founding was initiated by a decree from Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who later became the ruler of Dubai and one of the founders of the UAE.

In 1973, the police headquarters moved to Al Twar, where it remains today, though the old site was not forgotten. In the early 1990s, the current ruler of Dubai, who was then the UAE’s Minister of Defense, ordered the renovation of the Naif Police Station, which began in 1994. The oldest part of the fort, Al Makbad Tower, served partly as a prison, while the complex housed intelligence offices, living quarters, and a separate stable for patrol horses.

Today, the site functions as a museum with life-size models and interactive exhibits illustrating the history of Dubai's authorities. The method used for guarding former prisoners was called "Al Hataba," where the suspect's legs were fastened to a log.

Now, Dubai Police is a force of over 15,000 members with 12 stations and more than 25 intelligent, AI-operated police stations that offer assistance 24/7 without human intervention. Customers can even access police services at drive-thru stations.

Technology plays a crucial role in everyday operations: voice scanners help search for life signs under rubble, drones aid in rescues, robots work in hazardous terrains, and electric robotic cars patrol city streets to monitor community safety around the clock. AI also analyzes social media posts to timely detect potential threats or user state-based risks.

Dubai Police has come a long way since its founding, but one thing remains constant: the commitment to the safety of the city and its residents. Traditions born within the fortress walls blend with cutting-edge technology, setting an unparalleled example for law enforcement agencies worldwide.

(Source of the article based on Dubai Police.)