In a swift operation, Bur Dubai Police apprehended two masked men less than two hours after they stole Dh660,000 from a supermarket, catching them at Dubai International Airport moments before their escape flight.According to Dubai police, the suspects had meticulously planned the heist. Late at night, they forced open the supermarket’s back entrance using sharp tools. They broke into four cash boxes, taking Dh60,000, and then cracked the main safe to steal an additional Dh600,000 before fleeing.The crime was discovered early the next morning by an employee arriving before opening hours, who immediately alerted the authorities. A rapid-response team, including the duty officer, forensic experts, and CID investigators, arrived on site to examine the evidence.Despite wearing masks, the suspects were quickly identified through a combination of artificial intelligence tools, data analysis, and forensic evidence. Further investigation revealed they intended to leave the country with the stolen cash.Thanks to close coordination between Bur Dubai Police Station and the General Department of Airport Security, the suspects were arrested at the airport just before they boarded the flight, and the full amount was recovered. The duo has been referred to the Public Prosecution for legal action.
AI in action: Dubai Police take smart policing to the streets
The use of AI in this supermarket theft case to identify the masked suspects is one real-life example of how Dubai leverages technology in everyday policing. Notably, Dubai Police are now deploying fully electric, AI-powered patrol cars that can detect visa and residency violators in real time. These advanced vehicles, unveiled at the recently concluded four-day GITEX Global 2025, the world’s largest tech and AI exhibition, are equipped with high-resolution cameras and sophisticated AI software. As they patrol city streets, the system scans licence plates and facial IDs, instantly cross-referencing the information with government records. When a violation is detected, authorities are automatically alerted, allowing for immediate action without manual checks. This innovation not only strengthens enforcement but also frees up human resources to focus on emergencies and more complex cases, highlighting Dubai’s broader push to integrate AI and smart technologies into its law enforcement operations.
