4,000 Dubai Police personnel to be deployed to ensure security for New Year’s Eve celebrations

Dubai: Dubai Police will deploy more than 4,000 policemen to secure thousands of people planning to celebrate Dubai’s New Year Eve. Dubai Police said that 2,000 police patrols will be operating across the city, using artificial intelligence to scan the spectators’ body temperatures by using the ‘Oyoon’ smart system. In addition to police personnel, about 1,000 volunteers and 2,000 members of private security agencies will also be ready to ensure smooth movement of pedestrians.

Dubai Police’s Events Security Committee (ESC) today announced that it is all set to implement a comprehensive security plan to secure the New Year’s Eve festivities across Dubai. The details of the plan were revealed during a meeting chaired by Brigadier Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, Director of Traffic Department at Dubai Police. Brig Al Mazroui, Acting Chairman of the Dubai Police Events Security Committee, said that Dubai Police, in coordination with 40 government and private entities, will work to ensure New Year’s Eve festivities are held smoothly.

Brig Al Mazroui, Director of Traffic Department at Dubai Police, said that there will be 20 police points to provide services to people at the 23 celebration sites in Dubai. “Dubai is ready to welcome the New Year amid closures all around the world. This year’s celebrations will be exceptional amid COVID-19. Precautionary measures will be implemented at all sites,” Brig Al Mazroui said. Dubai Police have also urged people to maintain social distancing and wear masks. “Many big countries have imposed lockdowns and cancelled celebrations, but Dubai is preparing to welcome the New Year. We hope it will be a good New Year for everyone,” added Brig Al Mazroui.

Brig Al Mazroui urged community members to cooperate with police and abide by traffic instructions to avoid overcrowding. “Visitors are urged to contact Dubai Police on 999 for any emergencies or 901 for non-emergency cases. Otherwise, they can approach the nearest police station for support.”

“Police will use latest technology through the ‘Oyoon’ system to scan body temperatures. The smart system was originally used to identify wanted people using face-recognition technology, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the cameras were updated to scan body temperatures,” he added.

A number of supply tents will be available in Downtown Dubai to provide lost-and-found services, as well as first aid and logistic support. The public can access instructions, updates, and any traffic-related information via the hashtag #MyDubaiNewYear, said Brigadier Al Mazroui.

During today's meeting, several partners -- including the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Health Authority, the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in Dubai, Nakheel and Al Futtaim Group -- shared their plans with ESC and explained how they will be implementing them.

Meanwhile, Dubai Health Authority will have three field hospitals at the celebration sites, along with a team of 49 doctors and nurses to respond to emergencies. A team of ten administrators and support teams will be kept ready to respond to any exigencies during the celebrations.