Sharjah Civil Defence is preparing to deploy firefighting drones for high-rise buildings — remotely controlled aerial units that can reach the 40th floor in just 18 seconds and carry a 5,000-litre water tank. The technology promises to cut emergency response times dramatically and improve safety outcomes during high-rise fire incidents across the emirate.
Sharjah Civil Defence Partners with Drone First Building Services
To bring these firefighting drones to operational readiness, Sharjah Civil Defence has partnered with UAE-based Drone First Building Services. The company has been customising the drones based on Sharjah Civil Defence feedback to meet the specific demands of high-rise fire suppression in the emirate.
A successful test saw the drone climb 150 metres — equivalent to roughly 40 storeys — in just 18 seconds, while deploying water from its 5,000-litre internal tank with a spray range of up to 15 metres. When the onboard supply runs low, the drone can draw additional water from an underground station through an integrated tube, enabling extended operations without returning to refill.
Advanced Sensors and Aerial Firefighting Capabilities
The drones are equipped with high-tech sensors, including thermal cameras, that allow firefighting teams to identify fire sources, measure heat intensity levels, and pinpoint areas where flames are most concentrated. This gives ground commanders real-time aerial intelligence during an active blaze.
Each aircraft weighs 27 kilograms and can be powered by battery or electricity, operating for up to 12 hours on a single charge. Two drones are set to enter service in the first quarter of 2025, with authorities already exploring upgrades to extend their operational ceiling from 40 to 60 or even 70 storeys.
Faster Response, Fewer Casualties
Brigadier Sami Al Naqbi, Director General of Sharjah Civil Defence, emphasised that the technology would significantly reduce fire damage and help prevent fatalities. A key advantage of aerial firefighting is the ability to bypass road traffic entirely — allowing drones to reach emergencies far faster than conventional fire trucks, which can be delayed by congestion.
Brig Al Naqbi pointed to a powerful real-world example: had these drones been deployed during the Abbco Tower fire in Sharjah four years ago, the blaze could have been contained within one hour instead of nearly six — a difference that could mean lives saved and property preserved.
What Comes Next
With operational deployment planned for early 2025 and height upgrades already in development, Sharjah is positioning itself at the forefront of aerial firefighting in the UAE. The use of drone technology in fire suppression could soon become standard practice for high-rise emergency response across the region.
