Dubai's mounted police carried out almost 800 patrols during the first half of 2023

More than 570 cars were seized in operations carried out by Dubai Police on horseback

Dubai's horse-mounted police officers have carried out patrols that led to more than 460 notices being issued for traffic breaches.

Dubai's mounted police carried out about 800 patrols during the first six months of the year.

Their efforts resulted in the seizure of more than 570 cars that were involved in criminal activity or were sought for recovery due to breaching traffic rules.

There were six arrests in the operations and more than 460 traffic notices were handed out by police on horseback.

Maj Gen Mohammed Al Adhab, Director of Dubai Mounted Police, said that emphasised the robust security strategy in the emirate that combined traditional and modern policing techniques.

"Dubai Police have a rich heritage of incorporating horses into their operations, a tradition dating back to the 1970s,” he said.

"In addition to these patrols that allow mounted police officers to reach places that conventional vehicles cannot access, they are also involved in inspecting suspects, examining suspicious and abandoned vehicles and safeguarding sports facilities.

“The centre's horse-mounted officers ensured the security of 16 sporting matches, and relayed a total of 71 pieces of security information to the general directorate of criminal investigation.”

The department has earned international recognition from the British Horses Organisation for using cutting-edge methods to educate trainers at the centre and train the horses.

The centre also conducts specialised training that focuses on experienced and new riders and offers therapeutic training programmes for people with disabilities.

“The therapeutic training division trained 79 people of determination and rehabilitated five horses,” said Maj Gen Al Adhab.

The centre has about 100 horses, maintained by professional vets.

Members of the local community also have opportunities to volunteer with the mounted police team, contributing to a sense of shared responsibility for public safety.

“Volunteers joined forces with mounted police teams, actively participating in 92 patrols,” said Maj Gen Al Adhab.