Dubai began building a world-class police force before the UAE was even established. Dubai Police launched on June 1, 1956, operating out of the historic Naif Fort in Deira — and seven decades later, the same organisation now deploys artificial intelligence, patrol robots, and autonomous vehicles across one of the world's most surveilled cities.
Founded in a Fort, Built on Discipline
The force was created by a decree from Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, with British national Peter Clayton appointed as its first commander. Clayton was an unusual choice: he spoke Arabic fluently and was known for dressing like a Bedouin. He had previously served at the Trucial Oman Scouts base in Sharjah, and even designed Dubai Police's original logo.
The force started with just 29 officers. Operations were centred at Naif Fort, which housed offices, stables for patrol horses, and cells for temporary detainees. Prisoners were restrained using a traditional log technique known as 'Al Hataba'.
From Naif Fort to Al Twar
In 1973, headquarters relocated to Al Twar, which remains the command centre today. The original Naif Fort was never forgotten, however. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid oversaw its restoration in the early 1990s, and it has since reopened as the Naif Police Station — complete with the Naif Museum, where interactive exhibits document the history of Dubai's police force.
Smart Police Stations and AI Policing
Dubai Police today employs more than 15,000 officers across 12 traditional stations and over 25 Smart Police Stations (SPS). These unmanned facilities provide round-the-clock services — including crime reporting, fine payment, and certificate issuance — without any officers present, offering more than 40 services digitally around the clock.
The transformation goes beyond stations. On the ground, rescue drones, sonic scanners, and patrol robots support field operations. Self-driving electric vehicles patrol designated areas, and AI systems actively monitor online activity for security threats and early warning signals.
Dubai Police has been building its AI strategy since 2018, when the UAE appointed its first Minister of Artificial Intelligence. At GITEX Global 2025, the force unveiled 12 new AI-powered innovations, including smart systems, interactive digital platforms, and service robots. A floating Smart Police Station — the first of its kind in the Middle East — is expected to launch by the end of 2026.
Mission Unchanged After 70 Years
Despite the leap from clay fort to cutting-edge AI, the core mission of Dubai Police remains what it was in 1956: the safety and security of the public. The force that once relied on patrol horses and a handful of officers now stands as one of the most technologically advanced police organisations on the planet — a transformation that mirrors Dubai's own rise from a trading port to a global city.
