From Al Hadeer to Al Azm : Dubai Police Turn Weather Challenges into Proactive Field Plans

When the UAE was affected by the “Al Hadeer” weather system in 2024, rescue teams from the General Department of Transport and Rescue at Dubai Police faced exceptional challenges due to heavy rainfall, water accumulations, and a large number of emergency reports. However, during the “Al Azm” weather system in 2026, the situation was significantly different as lessons learned from the previous experience were transformed into a proactive and integrated operational plan.

Major General Rashid Khalifa bin Darwish Al Falasi, Director of the General Department of Transport and Rescue at Dubai Police, told Emarat Al Youm that the response to the two weather systems differed considerably across all partner entities, including Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority, and Dubai Municipality.

He explained that the Search and Rescue Department introduced specialized vehicles capable of navigating water accumulations up to two meters deep and upgraded existing equipment to better adapt to changing weather conditions.

Al Falasi noted that despite these developments, the greatest challenge remained the persistence of some individuals in ignoring official warnings and entering valleys and flooded areas, creating complex rescue situations. Nevertheless, all stranded individuals were successfully rescued.

Following the experience of “Al Hadeer,” Dubai Police upgraded its rescue vehicles and equipment, distributed resources across the emirate, and established additional deployment points to ensure faster access to emergency locations. Additional support was allocated to Hatta due to its geographical nature and the increased risk of flooding during heavy rainfall.

The proactive plan focused on increasing field deployment points and strategically positioning rescue teams before adverse weather conditions occurred. This approach significantly reduced response times and enabled rapid intervention when required.

Each field team included an experienced officer directly linked to the operations room to ensure quick decision-making and accurate field assessments. Dedicated duty officers were assigned to deployment points, supported by a general duty officer overseeing operations across the department.

Al Falasi also highlighted the extensive development of the department’s operations room, which now includes personnel with extensive field rescue experience. Their expertise supports the analysis of emergency reports, monitoring of incidents, and coordination of rescue operations.

He stressed that the successful management of severe weather conditions was the result of close cooperation between multiple entities, including Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority, ambulance services, police stations, and supporting agencies. All parties had been trained in advance on their responsibilities to ensure seamless coordination.

At the same time, he warned that certain individual behaviors continued to pose risks to rescue operations, with some people deliberately entering flooded valleys and dangerous areas despite repeated warnings.

Colonel Khalid Al Hammadi, Director of the Search and Rescue Department, stated that Dubai Police implemented a comprehensive fleet modernization program during 2025 and 2026, which included the introduction of 12 specialized rescue vehicles for flood and severe weather response. Four additional vehicles are expected to enter service soon.

The new vehicles are capable of operating in challenging conditions and navigating water depths ranging from 120 to 150 centimeters. They are equipped with inflatable boats and advanced rescue equipment, allowing teams to reach difficult locations quickly and safely.

Al Hammadi revealed that rescue teams handled 13 incidents in valley areas during the latest weather event, involving individuals trapped by rising water levels, including people stranded in trees and other difficult-to-reach locations.

He emphasized that the department’s enhanced capabilities, including amphibious vehicles, six-wheel-drive vehicles, and inflatable boats mounted on rescue vehicles, played a key role in ensuring rapid and effective intervention.

The success of the latest weather response was also supported by strong cooperation with partner organizations. Emirates Auction contributed 60 additional recovery trucks during the rainfall period, while Dubai Municipality played a vital role in addressing water accumulations through emergency pumps and preparedness plans.

Al Hammadi concluded that the achievements made during the latest weather event were the result of proactive planning carried out well before the arrival of rainfall, with personnel, vehicles, and equipment strategically distributed across 14 key locations throughout Dubai.

In closing, Major General Al Falasi praised the dedication of transport and rescue personnel who worked around the clock during the weather events, describing their efforts as a reflection of the spirit of responsibility and cooperation that characterizes the UAE.

“This is a country for everyone—citizens and residents alike—and everyone receives the same level of care and attention,” he said. “That spirit was clearly demonstrated during the recent events we experienced.”

This article is translated and not the actual content.