(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) From a robotic dog that can protect UAE residents to bomb-diffusing drones, and from smart gates that will take less than eight seconds to clear immigration queues to travelling at near-supersonic speed via the hyperloop, Dubai has already taken its first step forward to become a 'city of dreams'.
However, what makes the city unparalleled in terms of innovation is the swiftness and efficiency in which it provides government services, according to senior government officials. The UAE Innovation Month in Dubai kick-started on a high note on Thursday at City Walk 2.
Leading government departments such as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Dubai), Dubai Police, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, and the Dubai Municipality showcased their vision of how Dubai would look in 2030. Special kiosks and 'innovation cubes' were set up at City Walk and the municipality displayed its vision of the future at The Dubai Mall.
The future is biometrics Major-General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, deputy director-general at the GDRFA, told Khaleej Times: "The future for the GDRFA is biometrics. Eventually, your face will be your passport. We will not need papers and booklets. As soon as you book tickets, we will receive information and clear the security check, further cutting the time at immigration queues."
Major-General Bin Suroor also stated that this is a way to cut crime as well. "Eventually we're looking at a single gate for all government services. And everything will be done using technology. From passport renewal to visa application, all services will be processed through one gate."
Furthermore, Ilham Younis Ahli, director of the Innovation and Creativity Centre at the GDRFA Dubai, said: "Through the innovation centre, we strive to create unique solutions. The department is constantly aware of the suggestions and opinions of customers by taking them into practice through our smart services."
The department showcased several new innovative developments including the Kafa'ati App, UAE Smart Wallet, Future Accelerator (Smart Gallery), Smart Gate Project and Customer Journey (UAE Vision). Ahli also revealed that on the sidelines of the event, the GDRFA Dubai will be hosting the "GDRFA Innovation Factory: Unlock the Future" to bring together innovators from creative management and partners to discuss global trends and what the GDRFA Dubai will be like in the future.
The future is 'crime prediction' Criminal analysis centres, crime prediction analysis, CID studio and several other innovative ideas that look at predicting a crime even before it takes place, took centre stage at the Dubai Police innovation hub.
"We're looking at establishing a centre that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other progressive technologies that look at preventing crimes," said Major Ibrahim Lootah from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Dubai Police.
"One of the innovations is the introduction of 'Smart line-up'. Citizens can recognise criminals with the help of authentic 3D images that can be accessed with a secure URL weblink that lasts for an hour. For example, if a case has been reported at Al Qusais Police Station and the complainant lives in Abu Dhabi, he can head down to Jebel Ali Police Station and access information." The CID Studio reanimates 3D and hyperrealist crime scenes for investigation and learning purposes.
Captain Mohammed Ibrahim, also an officer with the CID, said: "With the Home Security System, homes will become safer. We can protect households when residents are travelling. However, this is applicable only for villas. In the case of a crime, we can refer to information provided by CCTV cameras."
Captain Khalid Al Mandoos, an operation official at the Dubai Police, explained the workings of the Dubai Police Criminal Analysis Centre. "The advanced system relies on big data and focuses on areas where crimes are heavy. We place more patrols in the area and over a period of time, crimes in these high-intensity areas reduce drastically," said al Mandoos.
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