5,200 rescues in 10 months: Dubai Police reveal major leap in response speed

Dubai Police Search and Rescue teams carried out more than 5,200 missions in the first 10 months of the year, including responses to traffic accidents, fires, falls, entrapment cases, and assistance for people stuck in homes, vehicles, and elevators. According to official figures, emergency units achieved an average response time of 5.8 minutes, outperforming the annual target of 6.6 minutes.

The latest results were reviewed by Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, during an inspection visit to the General Department of Transport and Rescue. Over the past three years, response times to land-based incidents improved by more than 14%, dropping from 6.8 minutes in 2023 to 6.2 minutes in 2024 and 5.8 minutes this year, underscoring enhanced readiness and operational efficiency.

Lt Gen Al Marri was accompanied by Major General Hareb Mohammed Al Shamsi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs; Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations; Major General Rashid Al Falasi, Director of the department; and several senior officers.

During the tour, Lt Gen Al Marri inspected rescue vehicles, modern equipment, and inflatable boats used by maritime and land teams. He stressed the importance of maintaining high preparedness and adopting proactive measures to handle emergencies across terrain types—urban, coastal, and mountainous—while adhering to international safety standards.

He was also briefed on smart support systems installed in rescue units for rapid resource allocation during major incidents. These include dedicated vehicles for field, administrative, criminal, and traffic transport, forming part of Dubai Police’s integrated operational network.

Lt Gen Al Marri reviewed 2024 performance metrics showing continued improvement in search and rescue operations. He also discussed future plans aligned with the force’s 2040 strategic outlook, which focuses on a smart, data-driven and AI-supported rescue system capable of predicting needs and analysing incident patterns.

The briefing also included updates on expanding the fleet of environmentally efficient smart vehicles for land and maritime missions, along with plans to enhance specialist training for rescue personnel. Dubai Police is partnering with international institutions on advanced programmes, including rapid response and underwater search.

Concluding the visit, Lt Gen Al Marri reaffirmed that the General Department of Transport and Rescue remains a crucial part of the force’s frontline response capability.

“Rescue teams are the first line of defence in protecting lives and property,” he said, emphasising the need to invest continuously in human capital and advanced technology. 

He added that efficient emergency response reduces the severity of incidents and reinforces Dubai Police’s position as a global leader in smart, innovative policing.