Inside Dubai Police’s elite underwater crime scene team

Dubai: When a crime takes place underwater — a weapon is tossed into a canal, a car is sunk offshore, or a body is discovered in dark depths — the investigation doesn’t end where the water begins. For Dubai Police, it’s precisely where a unique mission starts.

In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Major General Ahmad Thani  Ali bin Ghalita, Director of the General Department of Forensic Sciences and Criminology at Dubai Police, offered a rare glimpse into the operations of the force’s Underwater Crime Scene Investigation Team — a first-of-its-kind unit in the region that has pushed Dubai Police into the global spotlight for forensic innovation.

An idea born from innovation

The concept of forming a team dedicated to underwater crime scene investigation, Major General bin Ghalita said, came after studying some of the most advanced law enforcement practices around the world.

“We wanted to enhance our crime detection rate through advanced forensic evidence analysis,” he said. “Our officers conducted extensive benchmarking studies to identify the most effective global models. The initiative was later classified as an innovative idea (INV1) by the Global Institute of Innovation.”

A multidisciplinary force

Today, Dubai Police’s underwater crime scene unit is a model of precision and teamwork. Its members are called in whenever evidence — or tragedy — lies beneath the surface, from lakes and harbours to deep-sea locations.

“The team includes experts in crime scene investigation, forensic evidence, explosives disposal, marine raids, and maritime rescue,” Major General bin Ghalita explained. “This structure ensures full integration across Dubai Police units and guarantees an effective, coordinated response.”

Their work combines science, diving, and detective skill — an unusual blend that has become the backbone of one of Dubai Police’s most specialized divisions.

Their role begins where traditional investigation ends — diving into submerged environments to find, collect, and preserve critical clues that could make or break a case.

Technology beneath the waves

Armed with cutting-edge tools, the team works with equipment more commonly seen in deep-sea exploration.

Acoustic scanners, underwater metal detectors, advanced communication and positioning systems, high-resolution imaging tools, biometric devices, and robotic submersible drones are all part of their daily arsenal.

“These technologies allow our experts to locate and retrieve evidence from complex underwater environments with precision and safety,” Major General bin Ghalita said.

Preserving fragile evidence

Recovering fragile items underwater — such as weapons, tools, or even human remains — is one of the most challenging tasks in forensic science. Every movement counts: a single wrong step could destroy crucial traces.

“We begin by defining the area of the incident using spatial measurement tools,” Major General bin Ghalita explained. “Environmental factors such as water currents and drift directions are also taken into account.”

The search process follows internationally recognized patterns — grid, arc, and spiral methods — to ensure no section of the site is missed. Once retrieved, evidence is carefully placed in special freshwater containers to prevent oxidation before being transferred to the forensic laboratory for examination.

Battling the elements

From rough seas to zero visibility, the challenges are constant.

“Rough waters, strong currents, and the presence of biological or chemical contaminants can all pose risks, “Major General bin Ghalita said. “Yet our team is trained and equipped to operate safely even in the toughest conditions.”

Every dive demands a combination of courage, discipline, and scientific precision — qualities that define the unit’s reputation both locally and abroad.

Training with the best

Becoming part of Dubai Police’s underwater forensic team is no small feat. Each member undergoes a rigorous training regime blending diving skills with forensic science.

“They complete foundational, advanced, and specialized diving courses with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and receive additional training through the U.S. Underwater Crime Scene Investigators Institute,” Major General bin Ghalita said.

Team members have also trained with the US Navy and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in joint scenarios. Over an eight-month period, they completed 13 specialized courses and earned 19 international licences, underscoring their global calibre.

Global partnerships

Dubai Police’s forensic excellence is reinforced by strong international collaboration.

“We maintain partnerships with the US Navy, the FBI, and the US Underwater Crime Scene Investigators Institute,” he confirmed. “We even signed a memorandum of understanding with the institute to provide regional training through Dubai Police.”

Such partnerships help ensure that the force remains at the forefront of innovation and scientific accuracy.

Made in Dubai: Local innovations

While the team has learned from the world, it is also contributing to it. Dubai Police has developed new methods and technologies specifically for underwater criminal work — innovations that are now being discussed at international conferences.

“Our team has conducted pioneering research on lifting fingerprints from submerged surfaces and developed a new underwater search method that ensures full coverage of the scene,” Major General bin Ghalita said.

Recent studies have focused on improving the recovery and preservation of fingerprints lifted from submerged objects — an area that has long challenged investigators worldwide. These breakthroughs, presented at global forensic forums, highlight the UAE’s growing role as a hub of scientific innovation.

In another milestone, the team designed an advanced underwater search and inspection procedure that guarantees no area is left unchecked — closing critical gaps found in traditional search patterns.

Setting a global benchmark

For Major General bin Ghalita, these achievements are not just technical achievements — they reflect Dubai’s broader vision of excellence and innovation.

“Dubai Police is committed to adopting world-class practices in crime detection and investigation,” he said. “Our goal is to deliver justice swiftly, enhance public safety, and ensure readiness to respond to any emergency or disaster.”

Looking ahead

The underwater crime scene unit continues to grow in both size and sophistication.

“The team now includes 27 members and continues to acquire advanced technologies,” Major General bin Ghalita said. “We aim to integrate young talent, embrace the latest tools, and ensure sustainability in all our operations.”

Mystery of the floating body solved

Dubai authorities have solved the mystery of a body found floating in one of the city’s ports in an unusual vertical position.

The body appeared “as if the person had been standing in the water, completely still, as though fixed to the ground.” Police and a crime scene team rushed to the site and even checked below the body, initially suspecting it might be tied to the seabed. They found nothing of the sort.

The case is considered highly unusual, as bodies are typically found floating horizontally about two days after drowning. The body was transferred to the forensic department, which confirmed there was no evidence of foul play.