From firefighting to conducting patrols, Dubai ramps up robots use in public services

Record ID: 2341817

  • Title: From firefighting to conducting patrols, Dubai ramps up robots use in public services
  • Date: 17th February 2026
  • Summary: PEOPLE WALKING, TAKING PHOTOS / SELF-DRIVING DUBAI POLICE ROBOT (SOUNDBITE) (English) DUBAI POLICE CAPTAIN, AISHA SAEED HARB, SAYING: "What you see here is Dubai police's first patrol robot. It's called DPR 02. It's a fully automated car. It has many, many features. It's fully supported with AI functions, face recognition." SELF-DRIVING DUBAI POLICE ROBOT VARIOUS OF PEOPLE
  • Embargoed:
  • Keywords: AI DUBAI POLICE ROBOTS UAE
  • Location: DUBAI, UAE
  • City: DUBAI, UAE
  • Country: UAE
  • Topics: Middle East,Human Interest/Brights/Odd News,Society/Social Issues
  • Reuters ID: LVA008580916022026RP1
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Dubai is deploying robots to help firefighters tackle blazes in dangerous environments, as the Gulf city steps up its use of automation in emergency services.
    The robotic firefighting system, operated by Dubai Civil Defense, can spray water up to 60 metres and pump around 2,400 litres per minute, according to officials.
    Lieutenant Mohammed Ahmad Alsubosi said the robot can reach areas that are difficult or unsafe for human firefighters.
    “It is very mobile in staircases and can go through very tight spots that usually human firefighters cannot get through,” Alsubosi said.
    The robot is remotely operated and designed to work in high-risk environments involving toxic gases, chemical fires and extreme heat.
    “The difference is a human firefighter, if he goes into a very harsh environment with chemicals or toxic materials, it can harm him,” Alsubosi said. “But it doesn’t harm the robot as much since it detects these kinds of gases and leaks through its sensors.”
    The robotic firefighting system has been deployed in real-life fires since the beginning of this year.
    The firefighting robot is part of a wider trend in Dubai, where authorities are rolling out autonomous and AI-powered systems across policing, transport and emergency response.
    In November, Dubai Police introduced its self-driving patrol robot, known as DPR 02, at the Global Village tourist destination.
    “What you see here is Dubai police’s first patrol robot. It’s called DPR 02,” said police captain Aisha Saeed Harb. “It’s a fully automated car… supported with AI functions, face recognition.”
    Visitors and residents said the technology highlights Dubai’s focus on innovation and security.
    “It’s amazing and surprising to me,” said visitor Tony Abu Asla. “It provides safety to the families and people who want to go to a safe place.”
    Dubai has set out long-term plans to expand the use of robotics and artificial intelligence in government services, under strategies aimed at improving safety, efficiency and response times, according to government websites.
    (Production: Abdelhadi Ramahi, Bushra Shakhshir)
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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