Dubai Police will have its first floating smart police station in 2026

Dubai Police has always been at the forefront of innovation, embracing technology to enhance the safety, security, and well-being of the city’s residents and visitors. As part of its ongoing digital transformation, the force is launching a series of initiatives that integrate smart technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics into its operations. Among the most groundbreaking of these projects is the announcement of the Middle East’s first floating Smart Police Station (SPS), set to go live by the end of 2026.

A vision for smarter policing

This floating SPS is part of an ambitious AED 2 billion initiative announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The initiative, which includes specialized police training, improved employee well-being through housing projects, and enhanced security measures, is designed to elevate Dubai Police’s operations and ensure the safety of its citizens in a rapidly changing world.

Lieutenant Colonel Faisal Al Tamimi, Director of the Assets and Facilities Department at Dubai Police, described the project as a transformative leap forward in police services. The floating SPS will offer a wide range of advanced services at sea, meeting the needs of yacht and boat owners, as well as water sports enthusiasts. The station is designed to ensure faster, easier access to police services, aligning with the broader vision of making Dubai the “World’s Smartest and Happiest City.”

The floating SPS will provide 27 primary services, including the filing of criminal and traffic reports, along with 33 additional services, such as returning lost items and handling requests for certificates and permits. These services will be available 24/7, ensuring that the public has round-the-clock access to critical services, without needing to visit a physical station. The station will operate with no human intervention, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to improve efficiency and streamline operations.

By automating many of its processes, the floating SPS will significantly reduce the number of visitors to traditional service centers, offering an innovative, accessible, and convenient alternative. The integration of AI and robotics will enhance user experience by reducing wait times and speeding up service delivery, all while ensuring that the highest standards of public safety are maintained.

Also, the floating SPS will be designed with the unique needs of Dubai’s maritime community in mind. Its contemporary design will ensure that the process of arrival, boarding, and disembarking is seamless for yacht and boat owners, making it easy for them to access police services directly from the water. This design is tailored specifically to the nature of boats and yachts, ensuring that users can navigate the station quickly and efficiently.

In addition to this, the floating SPS will be built to be fully integrated with existing land-based Smart Police Stations. This reflects Dubai Police’s broader initiative to provide top-tier, fully-automated, smart services, regardless of location. The floating station will join the ranks of the SPS network already established across the city, alongside drive-thru and walk-in stations, to ensure that police services are always accessible to the public.

Dubai’s focus on digital transformation within its police force reflects the city’s broader ambition to become a global hub for technological innovation. The introduction of AI, robotics, and automation into policing allows the force to better serve its community, improve efficiency, and create a safer, more accessible environment for all.

As part of the UAE’s commitment to creating smarter cities, Dubai Police’s digital transformation is not only a model for other regions in the Middle East but also for the world. The floating Smart Police Station is an example of how technology can be leveraged to enhance both public services and the citizen experience, revolutionizing the way policing is carried out on both land and sea.

Dubai Police’s adoption of these high-tech initiatives aligns with the government’s vision of utilizing innovative technologies to create a smarter, happier city. By integrating artificial intelligence and automation into law enforcement, Dubai Police is building a future where police services are seamlessly woven into the fabric of daily life, accessible at any time and from any location.

This initiative represents just one of the many steps being taken as part of Dubai’s larger goal to embrace digital transformation, ensuring that Dubai remains one of the safest, most connected, and innovative cities in the world. The floating Smart Police Station is set to be a game-changer for the future of law enforcement, not just in Dubai, but across the globe.