UAE

Transport

Dubai police give a glimpse of flying squad cars in new video

High-octane feature shows patrol vehicles from 1956 to 2022 and beyond

The National

April 05, 2022

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Police in Dubai gave their social media followers a hint of what the future of patrol cars might look like in a video shared on Facebook.

The five-minute, story-led video, released during the inaugural World Police Summit, tracks the evolution of Dubai Police patrol vehicles throughout its 66-year history.

Starting in 1956, the story begins with CB radio communication between Bur Dubai patrol and Naif police station reporting "blue light sightings" – referring to the police car's flashing lights.

In the ensuing pursuits, each police patrol car is overtaken by a newer one, starting with a Land Rover Defender being outstripped by a Mercedes-Benz 240 in 1978.

The number of vehicles increases until the entire supercar fleet is involved in the chase.

Dubai Police has 35 supercars, which are often seen at tourist areas in the emirate and national events such as the Dubai Marathon and the UAE cycle tour, as well as various parades and celebrations.

  • Dubai Police will welcome 400 smart patrol cars over the next five years. All photos: Dubai Police
    Dubai Police will welcome 400 smart patrol cars over the next five years. All photos: Dubai Police
  • The cars will help to monitor Dubai's roads.
    The cars will help to monitor Dubai's roads.
  • They are equipped with the very latest technology and equipment.
    They are equipped with the very latest technology and equipment.
  • The smart cars will communicate with the police's control and command room to help keep the city safer.
    The smart cars will communicate with the police's control and command room to help keep the city safer.

Public engagement is the reason Dubai Police wants to expand its garage of luxury cars.

The video also shows the latest technology that Dubai Police has at its disposal, including facial recognition and use of drones.

The force's latest addition to its fleet – the Dh196 million ($53.3m) Ghiath smart patrol vehicle – is featured towards the end of the video.

The force recently announced plans to add 400 Ghiath vehicles to its fleet.

Produced by Emirati carmaker W Motors, the Ghiath is one of the first cars to be fully manufactured in the UAE.

The expansion of the fleet will include unmanned vehicles, rapid intervention vehicles, rescue vehicles, electric vehicles and bicycles.

In scenes reminiscent of the film Back To The Future, the video concludes with a flying police car, decked out in Dubai Police livery, landing in the middle of a circle of patrol vehicles.

Dubai police unveils AI patrol bots - in pictures

  • The M01 at the World Police Summit, which brings together law enforcement officers, police departments and organisations from more than 50 countries. All photos: Salam Al Amir / The National
    The M01 at the World Police Summit, which brings together law enforcement officers, police departments and organisations from more than 50 countries. All photos: Salam Al Amir / The National
  • The M02 is buggy-like and can drive on narrow roads.
    The M02 is buggy-like and can drive on narrow roads.
  • The Dubai-built police vehicle Giath is custom made and equipped with artificial-intelligence systems.
    The Dubai-built police vehicle Giath is custom made and equipped with artificial-intelligence systems.
  • The Giath is on display at the inaugural World Police Summit in Dubai.
    The Giath is on display at the inaugural World Police Summit in Dubai.
  • The next generation of patrol cars at the World Police Summit.
    The next generation of patrol cars at the World Police Summit.
  • The M01 will be able to drive on all roads.
    The M01 will be able to drive on all roads.
  • The Giath at the World Police Summit at Expo 2020 Dubai.
    The Giath at the World Police Summit at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Russia's Muslim Heartlands

Dominic Rubin, Oxford

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While you're here
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Updated: April 06, 2022, 7:26 AM
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