Dubai Municipality has unveiled a cutting-edge beach safety system, integrating advanced aquatic rescue robotics with aerial water-rescue drones.
This innovative technology aims to bolster the city’s coastal safety measures, solidifying Dubai’s leadership as a regional and global trailblazer in smart safety solutions.
The first-of-its-kind initiative in the region marks a strategic shift toward proactive, AI-powered safety solutions aimed at improving protection, accelerating response times, and enhancing the overall beach experience for residents and visitors throughout the year.
At the center of this system is the aquatic rescue robot, the first of its kind in the Middle East. The remote-controlled, self-propelled rescue device operates at speeds up to five times faster than traditional lifeguard swimming rescues, with a range of up to one kilometer within line of sight and a towing capacity of up to 500 kilograms.
Designed to operate in challenging sea conditions, the robot allows lifeguards to reach swimmers in distress rapidly while minimizing physical risk during the initial rescue phase.
Complementing the system, Dubai Public Beaches has introduced the water rescue drone as an aerial support tool that enhances situational awareness and rescue coordination. Often described as a ‘flying lifebuoy,’ the drone can deploy quickly over water, land directly on the sea surface, and provide immediate buoyancy support to individuals in distress.
Equipped with a live-feed camera, the drone delivers real-time visuals to lifeguard teams, enabling faster incident detection, accurate risk assessment, and more effective coordination of rescue operations.
Together, the aquatic robot and aerial drone operate as part of an integrated safety framework supported by trained lifeguard teams, continuous monitoring, and centralized control systems.
The combined use of air and water-based rescue technologies strengthens Dubai Municipality’s ability to respond swiftly across wide coastal areas, particularly during complex or time-critical incidents, while reinforcing international best practice in beach safety management.
Bader Anwahi, Chief Executive Officer of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said that, “Dubai Municipality continues to advance a proactive, technology-led approach to public safety. The integration of the aquatic rescue robot with the water rescue drone represents a significant step forward in how coastal safety is delivered, combining speed, intelligence, and operational precision.”
“These solutions enhance protection for beach users while reducing risk to lifeguards, and reflect Dubai’s commitment to applying innovation and artificial intelligence in the service of quality of life,” Anwahi added.
