Abu Dhabi rolls out ‘Raqeeb Patrol’ for hazardous materials safety

The Abu Dhabi Hazardous Materials Management Center has launched the “Raqeeb Patrol” as part of its efforts to strengthen field monitoring and inspection of hazardous materials handling, while advancing public safety systems and environmental and societal protection across the Emirate.

Through the deployment of this patrol, the Center aims to bolster compliance with relevant regulations, improve the efficiency of field inspections using advanced technologies to detect violations, and enable real-time analysis to ensure the safe handling of hazardous materials — ultimately reducing their associated risks.

The patrol is designed to meet comprehensive monitoring requirements and is equipped with the “ADHAM” inspection system, one of the Center’s advanced smart platforms, which streamlines and enhances the inspection process.

By collecting and analyzing field data with high accuracy, the patrol supports operational efficiency and informed decision-making based on scientific evidence, with findings escalated to relevant authorities as needed. It also ensures transparency by conducting proactive detection measures to promote full compliance with public safety standards.

Major General Ahmed Saif bin Zaitoun Al Muhairi, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, stated that this initiative is part of the Center’s ongoing efforts to build a robust regulatory ecosystem that enhances overall community security in Abu Dhabi. The launch of “Raqeeb Patrol” affirms the Center’s commitment to embracing technological advancement and fostering a sustainable environment aligned with Abu Dhabi’s vision for a safer future.

Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Hazardous Materials Management Center, Khalfan Abdullah Khalfan Al Mansoori, emphasized that “Raqeeb Patrol” leverages the latest technologies to collect and precisely analyze field data, thereby boosting inspection efficiency and ensuring full compliance with environmental and public safety standards.

The patrol embodies the Center’s commitment to global best practices in hazardous materials management and highlights its collaborative approach with relevant stakeholders to achieve the highest levels of safety and prevention.

“Raqeeb Patrol” is distinguished by its fully integrated and modern equipment designed to support effective field inspections. This includes advanced detection tools capable of identifying hazardous gaseous, liquid, and solid substances, as well as devices for measuring environmental indicators and emissions.

The patrol is also equipped with personal protective gear to ensure the safety of inspection teams during field operations. Enhanced inspection efforts are supported by advanced surveillance tools, including high-resolution cameras for documenting inspections, thereby improving monitoring efficiency and ensuring adherence to established standards.

The launch of “Raqeeb Patrol” represents a strategic step that reflects the Center’s dedication to strengthening safety and security and positioning Abu Dhabi as a leading model in the safe management of hazardous materials both locally and globally.

The Abu Dhabi Hazardous Materials Management Center has also unveiled its Strategic Plan for 2025–2027 — a pivotal step aligned with the directives of Abu Dhabi’s leadership and government vision, aimed at advancing the hazardous materials management framework in the Emirate.

This strategy enhances the Center’s capacity to fulfill its critical role of protecting the community and environment from hazardous materials risks. It introduces a comprehensive and efficient regulatory and supervisory framework covering all phases of hazardous materials handling, ensuring that concerned entities remain compliant with approved systems. This will be achieved through innovative, proactive solutions and advanced technologies, in collaboration with partners within a supportive investment environment.

The strategy is grounded in core values upheld by the Center: professionalism, excellence, integrity, integration, and proactivity.

Hazardous materials laws comprise a set of rules and regulations governing the handling, production, transport, and disposal of substances that pose a risk to health, safety, and the environment. These laws are designed to protect individuals and the environment from potential hazards.

Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 on the Protection and Development of the Environment includes provisions for managing hazardous substances.

Importance of Hazardous Materials Laws

Explosives, flammable gases and liquids, flammable solids, oxidizing substances, toxic substances, radioactive materials, corrosives, hazardous waste, and other dangerous chemicals.