Dubai Police will increase their drone units from six to eight by the end of this year to further strengthen their advanced Drone Box initiative, according to sources from Khaleej Times. This cutting-edge system aims to boost public safety and reduce emergency response times across the city.
Launched in 2021 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Drone Box system is one of the first globally to operate drones beyond visual line-of-sight. The drones provide live data to aid in decision-making during emergencies, helping officials assess situations such as traffic accidents, fires, and rescues before on-site teams arrive.
Captain Mohammed Omar Almuhairi, head of the unmanned aircraft systems center, highlighted that the system is designed to operate autonomously, minimizing human intervention. If a drone’s battery runs low, it automatically returns to its base for replacement, ensuring continuous operation.
Although concerns about privacy have been raised, Dubai Police assured that the drones are programmed to respect privacy, focusing on the horizon rather than directly observing individuals. The initiative has been well received by the public, with drones becoming a visible part of Dubai’s efforts to enhance safety through technology.