Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has launched a series of strategic Dubai Police projects valued at Dh2 billion, including a new centre for criminal data analysis.
The projects will also include a Dubai Police Academy building in Al Ruwayyah, a specialised training centre in Hatta and a new building for forensic science.
“During my visit today to Dubai Police, we were briefed on their latest development plans,” Sheikh Mohammed said on X, after launching the projects and praising the efforts of the emirate's force. “The city is expanding, police responsibilities and duties are increasing, and the demand for this global city is accelerating,” he said.
“The fact remains that security, safety and stability are the most valuable currency and the greatest guarantee for the continuity and prosperity of the nation's development.”
New Dubai Police Academy
The building project in Al Ruwayyah 1 will cover 155 hectares and accommodate 2,500 male and female cadets and students.
It will comprise four main zones – a residential area that will house up to 1,200 cadet officers; a section for lecture halls, staff offices and a 1,000-capacity theatre; a zone dedicated to sports with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, outdoor courts and a hotel with 26 rooms for sports teams; and a section for the academy’s main field with capacity for up to 2,500 spectators and a training complex for police operations. The project will also feature a 3.5km cycling and running track. Costing a total of Dh1 billion, it is expected to be completed by 2027.
Training centre at Hatta
This will include a main building, sports field, shooting range and sports complex, with capacity for 180 students. The centre will also feature residential facilities, classrooms, administrative offices, a secondary training area, and a main training field with seating for 300 visitors. It is slated to open next year.
Unified Centre for Crime Prevention Systems and Data Analysis
Area 56 will incorporate cutting-edge advancements in security systems, data science and analysis to enhance crime prevention, traffic safety and counter-narcotics efforts through predictive policing.
With a budget of Dh300 million, the project aims to use AI technology for event prediction, enhance digital data analysis and foster enhanced security.
Dubai Police Housing Project
Planned for Umm Al Daman, this project is expected to be operational by 2026. It includes six buildings, green spaces and 246 apartments, with a total investment of Dh300 million. The development also features several indoor and outdoor sports facilities, a swimming pool, restaurants and shops.
New building for General Department of Organisation Protective Security and Emergency
Scheduled to be operational in 2026, the project in Al Ruwayyah has a budget of up to Dh300 million.
The facility will include a training field, a lecture hall with capacity for 300 people, residential quarters, two sports and social centres, a public services building, sports fields and parking for 400 police patrols and specialised vehicles.
Expansion of Bur Dubai Police Station
With a budget of Dh90.9 million, the expansion includes a Smart Police Station (SPS), as well as sections for duty, investigation, traffic and criminal registration, administrative affairs, anti-narcotics enforcement and a call centre.
Forensic Medicine Building
This will integrate the latest scientific specialisations, including virtual anatomy, anthropology, forensic dentistry, a biobank, and facilities for medical data analysis and research. The building will operate 24/7 and include a mortuary facility, visitor parking and a variety of additional amenities.
Floating smart police station
Set to be the first of its kind, the smart police station (SPS) will be located offshore at The World Islands. It is designed to serve yacht and boat enthusiasts, as well as water sports lovers, and will operate 24/7 without any human intervention.
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
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Pad Man
Dir: R Balki
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte
Three-and-a-half stars
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
'Brazen'
Director: Monika Mitchell
Starring: Alyssa Milano, Sam Page, Colleen Wheeler
Rating: 3/5
NATIONAL%20SELECTIONS
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
'Ashkal'
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Indika
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2011%20Bit%20Studios%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Odd%20Meter%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsole%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PlayStation%205%2C%20PC%20and%20Xbox%20series%20X%2FS%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Directed: Smeep Kang
Produced: Soham Rockstar Entertainment; SKE Production
Cast: Rishi Kapoor, Jimmy Sheirgill, Sunny Singh, Omkar Kapoor, Rajesh Sharma
Rating: Two out of five stars
Virtual banks explained
What is a virtual bank?
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority defines it as a bank that delivers services through the internet or other electronic channels instead of physical branches. That means not only facilitating payments but accepting deposits and making loans, just like traditional ones. Other terms used interchangeably include digital or digital-only banks or neobanks. By contrast, so-called digital wallets or e-wallets such as Apple Pay, PayPal or Google Pay usually serve as intermediaries between a consumer’s traditional account or credit card and a merchant, usually via a smartphone or computer.
What’s the draw in Asia?
Hundreds of millions of people under-served by traditional institutions, for one thing. In China, India and elsewhere, digital wallets such as Alipay, WeChat Pay and Paytm have already become ubiquitous, offering millions of people an easy way to store and spend their money via mobile phone. Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines are also among the world’s biggest under-banked countries; together they have almost half a billion people.
Is Hong Kong short of banks?
No, but the city is among the most cash-reliant major economies, leaving room for newcomers to disrupt the entrenched industry. Ant Financial, an Alibaba Group Holding affiliate that runs Alipay and MYBank, and Tencent Holdings, the company behind WeBank and WeChat Pay, are among the owners of the eight ventures licensed to create virtual banks in Hong Kong, with operations expected to start as early as the end of the year.
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
