In photos: Watch skilled Dubai Police K9 dogs put on a show every week at Expo 2020 Dubai

A once in a lifetime photo opportunity calls visitors at Expo 2020 Dubai. Every Saturday, exceptionally skilled Dubai Police K9 unit dogs will show off their training at the world fair, guided by the Dubai Police Security Inspection Unit K9. These demonstration shows will carry on weekly till March 31, 2022, when Expo closes its doors.

On Saturday, December 12, the Dubai Police Security Inspection Unit K9 put on their first demonstration at 2020 Plaza. This is the arrival plaza past the metro gate. To the crowd's delight, the contraband-detecting canines performed a series of obedience tasks.

The event highlighted the professionalism of Dubai Police in training the animals to follow their instructions. Major Salah Al Mazrouei, Director of Dubai Police Security Inspection K9 Unit, said: “Today’s shows are presented by four participating police dogs. The shows demonstrate their obedience and ability to detect prohibited items”.

He added: “Visitors can also take pictures with the dogs, and we’ll provide them with information about the training”.

Al Mazrouei said each dog has a specialty ranging from riot control and illicit substance detection, to finding missing people, explosives, fires and COVID-19 cases.

Preparing a police dog for these duties starts with establishing a relationship with their handlers, followed by two to three months of training.

Give the hardworking K9s some love before you leave the site on Saturdays, from 6 to 8pm by the main Smart Police Station in 2020 Plaza.