Client:
Dubai Police
Sector:
Public Safety
Location:
Dubai
Purpose:
Drone as a First Responder (DFR)
About:
The Dubai Police is one of the most advanced and innovative law enforcement agencies in the world, responsible for maintaining security, enforcing the law, and safeguarding the wellbeing of residents and visitors across the Emirate of Dubai. Operating under the Government of Dubai, the force combines traditional policing duties—such as crime prevention, emergency response, and public safety—with a strong emphasis on technological innovation and smart city integration. Renowned for its forward-thinking approach, Dubai Police is a global leader in adopting emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence, robotics, and drones—to enhance situational awareness, streamline operations, and enable rapid, intelligence-driven responses to incidents. Their Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, powered by AirHub, exemplifies their commitment to shaping the future of law enforcement through innovation.
Real-time aerial intelligence. Automated rapid response. Centralized mission control.
Dubai Police is setting a new global benchmark for Drone as First Responder (DFR) operations - powered by AirHub.
Overview
With the rapid urbanization of cities and the growing demand for faster, more informed emergency responses, Dubai Police is leading the way in integrating autonomous drones into public safety workflows.
By partnering with AirHub, Dubai Police has deployed a fully operational DFR network across the city - leveraging Drone-in-a-Box (DiaB) systems, real-time video feeds, AI analytics, and centralized fleet control. These systems are not pilots or prototypes- they are live, at scale, and operational 24/7.
“Dubai Police is building the future of aerial policing - faster, smarter, and safer. Our mission: drones on scene in under 90 seconds, delivering real-time intelligence when every second counts.”
Why AirHub
AirHub was selected as the core platform for Dubai Police’s DFR program for several key reasons:
A unified Drone Operations Center (DOC) to plan, execute, and monitor all drone missions
Full support for DJI Dock and other Drone-in-a-Box systems
Seamless integration with Video Management Systemns, AI analytics, secure communication, and dispatch systems
Deployment flexibility: on-premise, secure, ISO27001-compliant
Cross-platform access: Web, Android, iOS, DJI Enterprise Controllers
Agnostic hardware support: DJI, Skydio, Airobotics and more
AirHub acts as the central brain of the entire operation, allowing Dubai Police to scale their drone program without compromising on safety, security, or efficiency.
Vision: Drones as the First on Scene
The vision behind the program is clear: drones should become the first eyes on scene, providing critical information to emergency services before ground units arrive.
Through deep integration with CAD/dispatch systems, AirHub enables fully automated launches triggered by emergency calls. Based on the type of incident and its location, the nearest drone is automatically dispatched from one of Dubai’s fixed DiaB locations.
Within seconds, high-definition video is streamed directly to the command center, allowing operators to assess the situation, alert teams, and optimize the response.
Benefits:
Faster response times (as low as 1:25 min)
Better situational awareness from the first moment
Informed decision-making by dispatch and field units
Real-time coordination across ground and aerial units
How It Works: The AirHub-Driven Workflow
1. Incident Detected
An emergency call is placed or an alert is triggered
AirHub receives the dispatch and selects the nearest available drone
2. Drone Launch
A drone is deployed automatically from a DJI Dock or other DiaB-system
Pre-flight checklists, risk assessments, and asset validations are completed in real-time
3. Live streaming & AI analysis
HD video is streamed to the command center
Optional AI modules detect people, vehicles, or anomalies in real-time
4. Coordination & Escalation
Dispatchers coordinate with first responders using live visuals
Airspace risks are monitored via UTM and ADS-B integration
Additional drones or manually piloted units can be dispatched via the same platform
5. Flight Logging & Compliance
All mission data is stored in AirHub
Technical logs, incident reports, and compliance documents are generated automatically
Flexible & Scalable Architecture
The system was built to scale - both in terms of geography and functionality. AirHub supports:
Centralized command centers and distributed drone nests
Hybrid models combining autonomous and manual flights
AI-based mission planning and automated patrols
Multiple drone brands, payload types, and integration options
Whether a multirotor is needed in a dense urban district, or a fixed-wing drone is launched for long-range surveillance in the desert, AirHub adapts dynamically.
Secure, On-Premise Deployment
Given the sensitivity of public safety operations, Dubai Police opted for an on-premise deployment of the AirHub platform.
Encrypted 4G/5G communication for live missions
Local data storage to ensure full operational sovereignty
ISO27001 and ISO9001 compliant processes
Integrated fail-safes including parachutes, FTS, and remote termination
This deployment ensures end-to-end control, full auditability, and compliance with local security protocols.
Results
✅ Response times as low as 1 minute 25 seconds
✅ City-wide coverage through a growing network of drone stations
✅ 25+ operators working in real-time coordination from a single interface
✅ Safe, efficient, and compliant drone missions 24/7
✅ Improved tactical awareness and operational command
The Future of Aerial Policing
Dubai Police's DFR program is more than just a showcase - it's a functional model for the future of public safety.
By turning drones into always-ready autonomous sensors, and by using a platform like AirHub to unify operations, Dubai Police is:
Reducing response times
Improving officer and civilian safety
Scaling aerial operations without increasing workload
Creating a foundation for integrating future robotic assets (UGVs, USVs, etc.)
This is proactive policing, powered by aerial intelligence.
“Working with Dubai Police gives us a unique opportunity to build what’s next. Their DFR program is setting the global standard for how drone technology can truly augment law enforcement.”
- Stephan van Vuren, CEO, AirHub
Want to Build a Drone as First Responder Program?
AirHub is already helping public safety agencies around the world build DFR programs—from initial pilot projects to nationwide rollouts.
Let’s talk about how we can support yours.
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