AI-powered planning and future foresight to support road safety, identify emerging risks and prepare Dubai for changing transport needs.
Dubai Police has unveiled a 2040 vision for its General Department of Traffic, setting out a long-term roadmap to improve road safety and prepare for the emirate’s evolving transport landscape. The strategy focuses on artificial intelligence, digital technologies and future foresight to help identify potential risks, guide traffic initiatives and support proactive safety measures.
Aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the vision reflects Dubai Police’s wider efforts to strengthen security, improve community wellbeing and introduce innovative approaches to traffic management. The roadmap is designed to guide future projects as the city experiences continued urban development, population growth and changes in mobility.
Dubai Police Sets Out Long-Term Traffic Safety Roadmap
The 2040 vision was developed by Dubai Police’s General Department of Traffic to establish a framework for future projects and initiatives. Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic, outlined the importance of the roadmap in guiding the department’s future direction.
The vision was endorsed in the presence of senior Dubai Police officials, including Brigadier Essam Ibrahim Al Awar, Deputy Director of the General Department of Traffic.
By connecting traffic planning with broader urban development, the strategy aims to ensure that road safety considerations remain part of Dubai’s future growth.
AI to Help Identify Traffic Risks Earlier
Artificial intelligence and digital technologies are central to the new vision. Dubai Police plans to use these capabilities to identify potential risks and support action before they develop into more serious road safety concerns.
The approach represents a greater emphasis on prevention and early identification. Rather than relying only on responses after traffic incidents occur, authorities can use data and analytical tools to examine patterns and identify areas that may require attention.
The strategy’s emphasis on technology forms part of Dubai Police’s broader efforts to modernise traffic management and develop more responsive approaches to road safety.
Future Foresight to Guide Traffic Planning
Future foresight is another important component of the roadmap. The approach focuses on understanding current conditions, monitoring emerging trends and examining possible risks and opportunities that could affect traffic management.
Colonel Omar Khalifa Balobaida Al Suwaidi highlighted the importance of preparing for different future scenarios rather than relying solely on conventional forecasts. This involves assessing developments as they emerge and using the findings to support future plans and initiatives.
Growing Transport Needs and Emerging Technologies
Dubai’s expanding population and increasing number of vehicles present ongoing considerations for traffic authorities. The future introduction of self-driving cars also raises questions about how road infrastructure, traffic enforcement and safety systems will need to adapt.
The 2040 roadmap aims to help Dubai Police prepare for such developments through technology and forward-looking planning. As transportation systems become more connected, authorities may need to consider how emerging technologies influence driver behaviour, traffic coordination and accident prevention.
Young People to Contribute to Future Policing
The strategy also includes a focus on giving young people a greater role in shaping the future of policing and security.
Youth participation can provide opportunities to gather perspectives on changing mobility habits, technology and community safety. As younger generations become drivers, commuters and users of new transport services, their experiences may contribute to future discussions about road safety.
The announcement does not specify the exact programmes or consultation methods planned for youth involvement. The inclusion of young people, however, forms part of the vision’s broader focus on future readiness and innovation.
Building on Existing Road Safety Initiatives
The 2040 vision builds on Dubai Police’s ongoing road safety and traffic management efforts. Previous initiatives have involved cooperation with the Roads and Transport Authority, accident prevention programmes and the use of digital systems to strengthen traffic enforcement.
In December 2025, Dubai Police reviewed road safety initiatives during an inspection visit to the General Department of Traffic. The department also reaffirmed its commitment to adopting proactive solutions aligned with its broader vision of reducing road fatalities.
Other initiatives have focused on delivery motorcycle safety, electronic integration with GCC traffic systems and public awareness.
At Gitex Global 2025, Dubai Police unveiled the Aman Roads smart platform, which provides safety information, awareness videos and accident statistics. The platform also enables residents to report reckless driving.
In 2026, Dubai Police partnered with ENOC AutoPro for the Summer Without Accidents campaign, encouraging road users to share responsibility for safer journeys.
What the 2040 Vision Means for Dubai
Dubai Police’s new 2040 traffic vision sets out a long-term approach to road safety that combines artificial intelligence, future foresight and urban planning. Its focus is on identifying emerging risks, strengthening preventive measures and preparing for changes in the emirate’s transport system.
The announcement does not include comprehensive details about implementation timelines, specific AI applications or measurable targets under the new roadmap. Further announcements will be needed to clarify how the vision will be translated into projects and operational measures.
As Dubai continues to develop its infrastructure and introduce new mobility technologies, the strategy provides a framework for the General Department of Traffic to examine future challenges and support safer roads across the emirate.
