Dubai Police share crime-fighting techniques with Chinese delegation

High-level officials toured Dubai Police headquarters to learn more about how the force is harnessing technology

Police in Dubai hosted a Chinese delegation to discuss how the force has turned to technology to tackle crime. Silvia Razgova / The National

High-level Chinese security officials have met Dubai Police to learn more about the force's use of artificial intelligence and satellite tracking.

Maj Gen Abdullah Al Marri, the commander-in-chief of Dubai Police, showed Chinese vice minister of public security, Ding Wepineg, around its headquarters on Monday.

The Chinese delegation heard about the force's surveillance programme "oyoon" (eyes). The programme consists of thousands of CCTV cameras stationed at spots around the emirate that are guided by AI software. They also heard how security patrols are equipped with technology that helps track suspicious vehicles.

A video monitoring system that connects police vehicles with the command centre to provide instant updates of accidents was also part of the tour.

It comes amid strengthening links between the UAE and China.

The country's president, Xi Jinping, made a historic state visit to the UAE last July where he was awarded the Order of Zayed – the UAE's highest civilian honour. A number of strategic deals were also signed at the time.

The Chinese delegation, meanwhile, was also briefed about Dubai Police's "smart police station" initiative. The unmanned stations offer services such as reporting crimes, traffic accidents and obtaining good conduct certificates needed for job applications.

Formal ties between the UAE and China were established in 1984 and this was followed in 1990 with a landmark state visit by Sheikh Zayed, the late President, which opened up a new era of cooperation.

Today, close to 200,000 Chinese expatriates call the UAE home and Chinese tourists enjoy visa-on-arrival. Last year about a million visited the UAE.