SARA ALZAABI AND MUDHI ALOBTHANI (ABU DHABI)
At this year's ISNR in Abu Dhabi, the emirate's safety teams, first responders and civil defence authorities demonstrated how smart security solutions function on the ground - from AI-powered surveillance and drones to predictive traffic systems.
Exhibitors said the showcase offered a glimpse into the future of resilience, preparedness and public safety.
Mohamed Al Hosani, Vice President – Group Health, Safety, Security, Business Continuity and Crisis Management at AD Ports Group, said security is central to the organisation's operations, and ISNR provided a platform to showcase innovations and strengthen collaboration with industry partners.
At AD Ports Group, CCTV systems go beyond traditional monitoring, using AI to instantly identify unsafe and security-related activity across operational facilities.
"We are also piloting drone systems for security patrol and monitoring operations," Al Hosani added.
Integration remains a key focus, he added, so their Al Burj platform brings together crisis management, emergency response and business continuity functions in a single system.
At the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Centre (ADCMC), smart initiatives are enhancing the emirate's ability to respond to a range of scenarios.
Khalifa Mohammed Obaid Alkaabi, Head of Exercise Section at ADCMC, said: "We are committed to implementing best practices that ensure integrated roles across entities and strengthen proactive preparedness."
Among the initiatives that the ADCMC showcased at ISNR is the Muruna Platform, which offers training programmes, awareness workshops, emergency community engagement tools, innovation services, and an AI-enhanced system aligned with Abu Dhabi Business Continuity Standards.
Following organisational self-assessments, the system uses artificial intelligence to generate comparative evaluations, performance indicators, recommendations and improvement opportunities, Alkaabi explained.
At Abu Dhabi Police, AI and public awareness also remain top priorities.
First Lt Salem Al Ghoul, Director of the Technical Coordination Branch at the Safe City Department, highlighted an AI-enabled variable speed system designed to improve road safety during changing weather conditions.
The system uses sensors integrated across Abu Dhabi's radar network to detect fog and sandstorms, while AI analyses live data and automatically activates safety measures, including speed reductions, warning lights, e-gates, smart signals and mobile alerts.
Al Ghoul said the technology also draws on historical data to anticipate weather conditions before they occur.
"Now, before reaching the targeted area, you will be driving at a lower speed and with a reduced risk of accidents," he added.
The Traffic and Patrols Directorate also presented its Smart Traffic Robotics Project, showcasing how robotics and AI are being deployed to enhance traffic awareness, public safety, and community engagement.
The Abu Dhabi Police also introduced AI-powered robots "Saqr" and "Salem", designed to interact with visitors, respond to enquiries, and provide guidance on safety, security and traffic regulations.
The robots are equipped with artificial intelligence capabilities that enable them to deliver real-time information and support public awareness efforts.
Meanwhile, First Lt Amani Al Kaabi from the Abu Dhabi Police Drugs Enforcement Directorate highlighted awareness initiatives focused on prevention and recovery through technology-driven experiences.
"Every step toward awareness and recovery helps create a stronger and safer society for future generations," she said.
The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority showcased initiatives aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness and smart response systems through advanced technologies.
Among its key projects is the Readiness Platform, which uses artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and smart sensors to provide real-time visibility of station readiness and response status.
"We are also showcasing the Sand Ambulance, which serves as a first responder in emergency situations and is specifically designed to operate efficiently in desert and rugged terrain areas," the authority added.