Operations hub coordinates multi-agency security, rapid emergency response, and drone surveillance across the emirate’s waters.
DUBAI, July 14, 2026 : — The Dubai Police Ports Station has deployed its artificial intelligence-powered Maritime Operations Center to safeguard the emirate’s coastline, manage high-stakes emergency responses, and maintain uninterrupted commercial shipping activity amid heightened regional security concerns. The advanced center serves as a unified command hub, integrating multiple government departments, national defense entities, and private sector maritime operators to monitor and secure Dubai’s territorial waters.
The specialized AI-powered operations center has become the primary operational nucleus for handling maritime threats, search-and-rescue operations, and law enforcement. Operating under a collaborative framework, Dubai Police works directly with the National Guard, DP World, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), and private port authorities to streamline tactical communications.
According to Brigadier Dr. Hassan Suhail Al Suwaidi, Director of Dubai Police Ports Station, the center provides real-time situational awareness across Dubai’s coast. The facility utilizes artificial intelligence networks, smart surveillance arrays, long-range radar technology, and marine scanning devices designed to detect, locate, and recover submerged or floating suspicious objects.
During recent regional security developments, specialized Dubai Police diving units were mobilized to inspect and retrieve maritime debris. Divers safely recovered and examined materials suspected to be linked to unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and other aerial objects, neutralizing potential hazards to commercial shipping lanes and public beaches.
Around-the-Clock Coastal Patrols
To maintain its strict Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for maritime emergency response times, Dubai Police maintains a continuous multi-tiered presence. The coastal deployment model operates 24/7 across 13 distinct coastal zones—comprising six marine areas and seven coastal sectors, including offshore islands and vital artificial waterways.
The daily operational deployment includes:
- 12 sea patrols
- 7 land patrols
- 2 beach buggy units
- 2 foot patrol units
Major Saeed Khalifa Al Mazrouei, Head of the General Shift Section at the Ports Station, confirmed that these teams handle a diverse array of incidents, ranging from mechanical vessel breakdowns and criminal cases to severe weather distress calls. In a recent operation, rescue teams successfully located and towed a disabled vessel, bringing a group of stranded international tourists safely to shore after a mid-sea engine failure.
Drone Integration and Beach Safety
Looking toward future capabilities, Dubai Police is actively expanding its automated “Drone-Box” infrastructure. These specialized drone hubs are permanently stationed at high-priority public beaches and island installations. The technology provides the operations center with instantaneous aerial assessments, expanded surveillance coverage, environmental monitoring capabilities, and accelerated tracking during active search-and-rescue operations.
In addition to deep-sea security, the Ports Station manages extensive public safety operations on land. Official data revealed that during major public gatherings, such as the New Year’s Eve celebrations, specialized beach patrols successfully located and reunited seven missing children with their families, including a child with special needs who had traveled a significant distance away from parental supervision.
Data and Enforcement Metrics
Annual performance data released by the Dubai Ports Police highlights extensive operational enforcement and monitoring activity over the past year:
- Total Reports Handled: 2,644 cases processed by the Maritime Operations Room
- Marine Accidents: 143 incidents recorded
- Total Violations Detected: 1,313 maritime infractions
- Watercraft Violations Breakdown: 658 jet ski violations (highest single category), 636 boat/marine vessel violations, and 19 commercial shipping violations.
Targeted enforcement campaigns on watercraft rental infrastructure revealed significant compliance issues. Inspectors evaluated 26 jet ski rental corporations, issuing citations to 24 facilities for regulatory non-compliance. A total of 63 jet skis were impounded for technical inspections, resulting in 52 units failing basic safety and operational standards.
Statutory Marine Fines
Dubai Police reminded the public and commercial operators that strict financial penalties apply for maritime safety violations under UAE law:
- AED 1,000: Operating a jet ski or marine craft with an expired registration/license.
- AED 1,000: Failure to wear an approved life jacket or safety helmet.
- AED 1,000: Unauthorized entry into restricted zones or designated swimming areas.
- AED 2,000: Reckless operation causing disturbance, endangerment, or harassment to others.
Official metrics for the year 2025 concluded that the department achieved a 100% public safety perception rating and a 100% safety score for individuals walking along coastal sectors at night. Brigadier Al Suwaidi emphasized that regulatory enforcement is designed primarily to preserve human life and build a sustainable culture of compliance across Dubai’s maritime infrastructure.
