Dubai Police might be most famous worldwide for its fleet of high-end patrol vehicles, from Bugattis to G-Wagons, but, unsurprisingly, there’s plenty that goes on behind-the-scenes of what has become known as one of the world’s most technologically advanced law enforcement bodies.
If you want to get a sneak peek into what goes on, then the Dubai Police Museum, which is tucked within the gated Dubai Police General Headquarters in Al Twar 1, offers a surprisingly intimate and fascinating insight into the evolution of Dubai’s police force since its formation in 1956.
Officially established in 1987, the museum serves as a tribute to the city’s focus on safety, order and innovation. It charts how a modest team of 29 officers, based out of the historic Naif Fort, transformed into a force that polices one of the world’s most exciting cities.
Why go there?
This is one for history lovers, tech or criminology enthusiasts, or simply anyone curious about how Dubai became one of the world’s safest cities. It offers a clear yet uncritical narrative arc that traces the force’s growth alongside Dubai’s meteoric rise.
It’s especially interesting for those wanting to understand the intersection of tradition, strategy and innovation in local governance. But also anyone who wants to see some cool policing equipment and a room filled with confiscated items used in smuggling attempts.
What you’ll see
Visits begin with a 16-minute video in a small viewing room that sets the scene with a digestible introduction to Dubai Police’s origin story, subtitled in English. The film recounts key milestones, like the dramatic robbery of a commercial store just three days after the police force was founded, a crime solved in record time, helping set the tone for Dubai’s reputation for swift justice.
Once through the intro, you’re free to explore the rest of the museum at your own pace. The exhibits are wide-ranging and thoughtfully presented, from old photographs and archival documents to display cases filled with old communication devices, antique and modern weapons, and riot gear used over the decades. A section is dedicated to police uniforms and badges, highlighting the stylistic and functional changes across time.
There are also displays on major criminal cases and drug busts, including a compelling collection of confiscated items that reveal the breadth of the police force’s operations.
Another highlight is the nod to the different operational divisions, such as the K9 unit, the air wing and the mounted police division, which began with only four officers and nine horses.
Star attraction
One of the most interesting aspects of the museum is its celebration of Dubai Police’s technological advancement in years past.
They were pioneers in the Arab world, introducing digital fingerprinting systems and DNA analysis at a time when such methods were far from standard, according to our tour guide.
A particularly memorable display showcases the first British-made computer acquired by the force in the early 1970s.
What to know before you go
Don’t expect a flashy or overly interactive museum – it’s more old-school in presentation, with a quiet charm and plenty of stories if you take the time to dig into the details.
Some of the captions are in Arabic only, so non-Arabic speakers may miss some nuance, but the staff are exceptionally friendly and happy to explain exhibits in English. Their warmth and enthusiasm add a personal touch that makes the experience.
Plan to spend about an hour here, maybe slightly longer if you’re particularly keen on reading everything or asking questions.
Ticket price and location
Entry is free, but a visitor permit is required in advance via the Dubai Police website. The application process is straightforward, and approval came through quickly for us.
Open Sunday to Thursday, 8am–2pm. The museum is located inside the Dubai Police Headquarters, Al Twar 1, and is easily accessible by car, taxi, or Dubai Metro (nearest station is Al Qusais).
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May 9, v Malaysia
May 10, v Qatar
May 13, v Malaysia
May 15, v Qatar
May 18 and 19, semi-finals
May 20, final
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Roll%20of%20Honour%2C%20men%E2%80%99s%20domestic%20rugby%20season
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Ain Dubai in numbers
126: The length in metres of the legs supporting the structure
1 football pitch: The length of each permanent spoke is longer than a professional soccer pitch
16 A380 Airbuses: The equivalent weight of the wheel rim.
9,000 tonnes: The amount of steel used to construct the project.
5 tonnes: The weight of each permanent spoke that is holding the wheel rim in place
192: The amount of cable wires used to create the wheel. They measure a distance of 2,4000km in total, the equivalent of the distance between Dubai and Cairo.
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Pakistan T20 series squad
Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Ahmed Shahzad, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Mohammed Hafeez, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammed Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Amir Yamin, Mohammed Amir (subject to fitness clearance), Rumman Raees, Usman Shinwari, Umar Amin
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UAE team
1. Chris Jones-Griffiths 2. Gio Fourie 3. Craig Nutt 4. Daniel Perry 5. Isaac Porter 6. Matt Mills 7. Hamish Anderson 8. Jaen Botes 9. Barry Dwyer 10. Luke Stevenson (captain) 11. Sean Carey 12. Andrew Powell 13. Saki Naisau 14. Thinus Steyn 15. Matt Richards
Replacements
16. Lukas Waddington 17. Murray Reason 18. Ahmed Moosa 19. Stephen Ferguson 20. Sean Stevens 21. Ed Armitage 22. Kini Natuna 23. Majid Al Balooshi
ENGLAND TEAM
England (15-1)
George Furbank; Jonny May, Manu Tuilagi, Owen Farrell (capt), Elliot Daly; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Courtney Lawes; Charlie Ewels, Maro Itoje; Kyle Sinckler, Jamie George, Joe Marler
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, George Kruis, Lewis Ludlam, Willi Heinz, Ollie Devoto, Jonathan Joseph
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SPECS
Nissan 370z Nismo
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 363hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh184,500
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The Bio
Favourite Emirati dish: I have so many because it has a lot of herbs and vegetables. Harees (oats with chicken) is one of them
Favourite place to go to: Dubai Mall because it has lots of sports shops.
Her motivation: My performance because I know that whatever I do, if I put the effort in, I’ll get results
During her free time: I like to drink coffee - a latte no sugar and no flavours. I do not like cold drinks
Pet peeve: That with every meal they give you a fries and Pepsi. That is so unhealthy
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Key facilities
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- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
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Started: 2021
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Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
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Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
