Image : WAM
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has launched a series of strategic projects valued at $2bn ($545m) aimed at boosting the efficiency, safety and wellbeing of Dubai Police officers.
According to the state news agency, WAM, the initiatives include a wide range of infrastructure and training projects designed to further strengthen the UAE’s security services, promote officer welfare, and support Dubai’s long-term development as a global city.
The announcement was made during Sheikh Mohammed’s visit to the Dubai Police Officers Club in Al Jaddaf, where he was accompanied by several senior members of the Dubai leadership.
Dubai Police Academy project
During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on multiple initiatives, including the Dhs1bn Dubai Police Academy project located in Al Ruwayyah 1.
This state-of-the-art facility, set to accommodate 2,500 cadets, spans 155 hectares and will feature four key zones: residential housing for up to 1,200 male and female cadet officers, academic buildings, sports facilities, and a main field for police operations training.
The academy project, scheduled for completion by 2027, also includes a 3.5-kilometre cycling and running track.
The Dubai Police Academy is central to the UAE’s vision of providing world-class training and development for its officers.
The complex will also house a sports zone with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, football field, and various other outdoor courts, ensuring that officers are equipped with both academic and physical training resources.
Expansion of training facilities
Sheikh Mohammed was also briefed on a second major initiative, a new police training centre in Hatta, expected to open in 2025. This centre will include a main building, sports field, shooting range, and residential accommodations for up to 180 cadets, in addition to classrooms and administrative offices.
These projects align with the Dubai Police’s broader goal of enhancing its officers’ training, ensuring they are prepared to meet the challenges of modern policing through advanced facilities and ongoing professional development.
Leveraging technology for crime prevention
Another highlight of the announcement was the briefing on the ‘Area 56’ project, a new Unified Centre for Crime Prevention Systems and Data Analysis.
With a budget of Dhs300m, the facility will integrate advanced technologies such as AI and predictive policing to enhance crime prevention efforts, traffic safety, and counter-narcotics operations.
This project aims to position Dubai Police as a leader in global security technology and analytics.
Housing and wellbeing initiatives for Dubai Police
As part of the wellbeing focus, Sheikh Mohammed also reviewed the Dubai Police Housing project in Umm Al Daman, which is in its second phase.
Set for completion by 2026, the project includes 246 residential apartments, green spaces, and various community amenities such as sports complexes, playgrounds, and retail outlets.
The housing initiative aims to improve family stability among police personnel by providing high-quality living spaces close to their workplaces.
In addition, the Dubai Police will benefit from a new facility dedicated to the General Department of Organization Protective Security and Emergency in Al Ruwayyah.
This project, set for completion by 2026 with a budget of Dhs300m, will feature a large training field, a lecture hall, and residential quarters for police officers.
Sheikh Mohammed also reviewed several smaller but innovative projects, including the expansion of the Bur Dubai Police Station, which will feature a new Smart Police Station (SPS) and enhanced facilities for investigation, traffic enforcement, and anti-narcotics operations, with a budget of Dhs90.9m.
Additionally, he reviewed progress on the Floating Smart Police Station (SPS) being constructed at The World Islands, which will be the first of its kind globally.
This innovative station, expected to operate 24/7 with no human intervention, will serve yacht and boat enthusiasts as well as water sports lovers in the region.
Sheikh Mohammed concluded his visit by praising Dubai Police for its unwavering commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence. He emphasized that Dubai’s reputation as one of the world’s safest cities is underpinned by the continuous improvement and modernisation of its security services, particularly through the integration of advanced technology and strategic collaborations with both public and private sector partners.
“These projects reflect Dubai’s ongoing commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, and are key to maintaining our leadership as a global hub for security, investment, and tourism,” said Sheikh Mohammed.
