Aerial drones that land on water and remote-controlled rescue robots capable of reaching a drowning swimmer in a fraction of the time it takes a lifeguard — these are now part of Dubai’s coastal safety infrastructure, following a new deployment by Dubai Municipality.
The system, described as a regional first, pairs aquatic rescue robots with water-rescue drones in an integrated framework intended to extend response capabilities across large stretches of coastline. Both technologies are already operational as part of the municipality’s broader push toward AI-driven public services.
The aquatic rescue robot, which has no precedent in the Middle East, is remote-controlled and self-propelled. It can reach a person in distress up to five times faster than a lifeguard swimming to the scene, operate up to one kilometre offshore, and tow a load of up to 500 kilograms — enough to assist multiple people at once or support a lifeguard in rough conditions.
Complementing the water-based units are drones that function as airborne lifebuoys. They fly out over the water, land on the sea surface near a struggling swimmer, and provide immediate buoyancy. Onboard live-feed cameras relay footage back to lifeguard stations, enabling real-time risk assessment and rescue coordination without requiring personnel to enter the water first.
Bader Anwahi, CEO of Dubai Municipality’s Public Facilities Agency, said the dual-system approach serves both swimmers and the rescue teams themselves: “This technology-led approach enhances protection for beach users while keeping lifeguards safer. It demonstrates Dubai’s commitment to innovation and AI in improving quality of life.”
He added: “Our objective is to make Dubai’s beaches a global standard for safety, readiness, and visitor confidence by continuously investing in smart rescue solutions and upgrading the city’s safety ecosystem.”
The robots and drones operate within a centralised monitoring structure that keeps trained lifeguards in the decision-making loop, rather than replacing them. Dubai Municipality said the system is designed to function year-round across the city’s public beaches.
