Brief
UAE launches AI‑driven firefighting programme to cut fires and protect crews
Federal officials say AI will map hotspots, deploy drones inside burning buildings and provide wearable SOS alerts.
By Felo News Desk · Published
At a specialised forum in Dubai on 11 October 2026, senior officials announced a federal programme that will embed agentic artificial intelligence into the UAE’s civil‑defence and ambulance services.
Major General Dr Jassim Mohammed Al Marzooqi, Director General of the Federal Authority for Ambulance and Civil Defence, told Gulf News the authority is "transforming our operations to use agentic AI, so we can improve protection and response". He said the technology can "reduce the number of fires and the number of casualties and fatalities" by forecasting hotspots before incidents occur.
The forum also introduced "AI ambassadors" – one for every civil‑defence directorate – tasked with scouting, testing and sharing best practices for AI deployment. Al Marzooqi explained that these ambassadors will "search, find, test and share the best practices on how to use agentic AI to improve our services".
Three demonstration projects were displayed: drones capable of navigating inside burning structures, SOS‑enabled wearables for people trapped in fires, and autonomous rescue rovers equipped with sensors to detect toxic fumes. Al Marzooqi gave a chemical‑spill scenario as an example, noting that a robot could assess hazardous gases before a firefighter is sent into danger.
He stressed that the AI tools are meant to support, not replace, firefighters. "We are trying to support him (firefighter) with more equipment, more technology, more artificial intelligence, so he can do his task more efficiently and with less risk to his own safety," he said.
The programme is overseen by Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention and Chairman of the authority, who attended the forum. Both officials said the initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader push for smart‑city technologies and aims to protect residents, first responders and property from fire‑related disasters.
Key facts
- The UAE federal authority will use agentic AI to forecast fire hotspots and support firefighters. (gulfnews.com)
- AI ambassadors will be appointed in every civil‑defence directorate to promote AI best practices. (gulfnews.com)
- Demonstrated projects include indoor firefighting drones, SOS wearables and autonomous rescue rovers. (gulfnews.com)
- Major General Dr Jassim Mohammed Al Marzooqi said the AI programme aims to reduce fires and casualties. (gulfnews.com)
- Minister Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh chaired the forum where the AI initiative was announced. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “How the UAE is Using AI to Protect Residents, Firefighters, and Properties from Disasters”
