The General Command of Dubai Police is celebrating its 70th anniversary, marking a long journey of service, achievement, and continuous development. Since its establishment in June 1956, Dubai Police has been closely connected to the growth of Dubai and the major transformations the emirate has witnessed over the decades.
From its early years, Dubai Police played an important role in supporting a safe and stable environment, helping Dubai grow into one of the world’s leading cities for living, working, tourism, and investment.
Under the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, Dubai Police developed from a force with limited resources into a modern security institution built on planning, discipline, investment in people, and the use of technology to serve society and strengthen public safety.
A Defining Stage in Dubai Police History
The appointment of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, as Commander General of Dubai Police and Public Security was a key milestone in the history of the institution. It came at a time when Dubai was moving steadily toward building its modern institutions and needed a security force capable of keeping pace with rapid change.
This role was among the first public responsibilities assumed by His Highness, and it opened a new chapter in the development of Dubai Police. That stage focused on strengthening discipline, organizing police work, preparing national cadres, and building a more institutional approach to security leadership.
From that period, a clear vision began to take shape: security does not depend on material resources alone, but also on qualified people, continuous training, planning, and readiness for the future. Through this approach, Dubai Police began developing its procedures, building its human capabilities, and sending its personnel for training and study, which later helped prepare national leaders who contributed significantly to the institution’s progress.
From Naif Fort to a Global Security Institution
Dubai Police began with a force of 29 members, based at Naif Fort, following the decision of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, may God rest his soul, to establish the first police force in the emirate. Naif Fort became a witness to the first steps of organized police work in Dubai, before the force later moved to its current headquarters in Al Twar North.
Over seven decades, Dubai Police did not remain within the traditional limits of policing. It moved early toward development and innovation, becoming one of the first police institutions in the region to adopt modern technologies in criminal investigation, traffic systems, electronic services, and patrol tracking. These steps helped improve performance, speed up response times, and support more efficient police operations.
A Security System Ready for the Future
The journey of Dubai Police shows that continuous development has always been part of its institutional identity. The force moved through several important stages, from foundation and building the basics, to adopting global best practices, then to excellence, leadership, innovation, and finally smart transformation and sustainability.
Today, Dubai Police operates through an advanced digital system and provides smart services that allow customers to complete many transactions easily, without the need to visit police stations. Smart Police Stations have also become a leading model for modern policing, offering security, traffic, and community services around the clock in a way that serves different groups of society.
This transformation is not only about technology. It is part of a broader vision that aims to improve quality of life, make services easier, and strengthen trust between the police and the public.
Security as a Foundation for Development and Stability
Since its establishment, Dubai Police has recognized that security is the foundation of development, and that successful cities need trusted institutions capable of protecting people and achievements. For this reason, Dubai Police has remained a key partner in Dubai’s journey, through protecting society, enforcing the law, and promoting a sense of safety among citizens, residents, and visitors.
Dubai Police has also worked to build a balanced system that respects human rights, supports justice and transparency, and combines firmness in carrying out its duties with a civilized approach to community service.
International Presence and Efficiency in Fighting Crime
As crime has become more complex and increasingly cross-border, Dubai Police has strengthened its cooperation with international partners, including Interpol, Europol, and law enforcement agencies in several countries. This cooperation has supported efforts to combat organized and transnational crime, while reinforcing Dubai’s image as a safe city that does not serve as a refuge for wanted individuals.
In several cases, Dubai Police has shown a high level of professionalism, accuracy, and speed, whether in complex crimes, fraud cases, or technology-related crimes. This reflects strong institutional readiness and deep accumulated experience.
Investing in National Talent
Dubai Police’s leadership would not have been possible without investing in people. The institution has always placed strong importance on education and training, and the establishment of the Dubai Police Academy was a major step in preparing generations of qualified officers and security professionals.
Through the academy and continuous training programs, Dubai Police has built a strong base of national talent capable of meeting the demands of modern police work and keeping pace with technical, legal, and social developments.
Awards That Reflect a Mature Experience
Over the years, Dubai Police has received many local and international awards in government performance, innovation, crime prevention, service quality, and institutional excellence. These awards are not only forms of recognition; they reflect the maturity the institution has reached and its ability to turn visions and strategies into real results.
Its strong performance in corporate identity and global reputation indicators also confirms that Dubai Police has built a respected security model based on operational efficiency, transparency, innovation, and effective communication with society.
A Continuing Journey Toward Smart and Sustainable Security
On its 70th anniversary, Dubai Police is not only looking back at its history. It is also reaffirming its commitment to the future. The institution that began at Naif Fort with simple resources has become a model for smart and sustainable security, supported by advanced technology, artificial intelligence tools, qualified teams, and solid experience.
Dubai Police remains an essential part of Dubai’s success story, a key pillar of its security and stability, and a partner in improving quality of life and protecting national achievements. After 70 years of service, the institution continues to move forward with confidence into a new phase, keeping pace with Dubai’s ambition and supporting its position as a safe, innovative, and future-ready global city.
