A submarine that takes high-quality 3D pictures and videos underwater to thwart smuggling attempts has been shown off by Dubai Customs.
As part of UAE Innovates 2022 hosted by Expo 2020 Dubai, Senior Inspection officers Nawaf Saleh and Salim Ghaith introduced the functions of the creative underwater drone which is equipped with a high quality 4K camera, and can go down to 30 metres, sending a live stream to officers to detect and intercept illegal shipments.
The Customs Submarine project is one of the Inspection Division’s initiatives launched in line with Dubai Customs’ strategic plan 2021-2026, which aims to help Dubai Customs maintain its leading position worldwide. The customs organisation made 4,696 seizures in 2021.
Another activity at the workshop was a discussion panel with the presence of Saleh Al Shamsi, head of Aircargo Centres Management, on "Customs Dolphins" and the differences between them and the Customs Submarines. These can be sent to control and monitor vessels before entering the wharfage.
Another initiative launched by Dubai Customs was the smart electric vehicles, which are used for inspection purposes along Dubai Creek, Deira Wharfage and Al Hamriya Port (14km). Some of these vehicles were customised to accommodate the sniffing dogs (K9 Unit), and they patrol the area around the clock to detect any illegal shipments along the wharfs without disturbing visitors of these tourist places.
Dubai Municipality has announced that the final phase of the ban on single-use plastic products in the emirate will come into force on January 1, 2026.
The UAE has welcomed the recent agreement signed in Muscat on the exchange of prisoners and detainees in Yemen, calling it an important humanitarian step that eases suffering and supports stability in the region.
The UAE has reinforced its position as a global humanitarian leader in 2025, ranking third worldwide in aid contributions with $1.46 billion, according to data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs' (OCHA) Financial Tracking Service.
The UAE has expressed its condolences and solidarity with Libya following the death of Army Chief of Staff, Lt. General Mohammed Al-Haddad, and several senior military officials in a plane crash near Ankara while travelling to Tripoli.
Dubai Police are urging the public to buy tickets for concerts, entertainment events, sports activities and travel only through official and authorised platforms.
The UAE Aid Agency has signed a cooperation agreement with International Medical Corps – UK to support the provision of healthcare to Sudanese people affected by the ongoing conflict, contributing $2 million to the project.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), in coordination with relevant authorities, has closed the “Oud Al Reem Domestic Workers Services” office in Ajman and issued a decision to revoke its license due to serious violations.