His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai has inaugurated the Dubai Police’s Genome Centre. This state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to enhancing policing work through the development of advanced tests in forensic identification, genetics, and metagenomics.
The launch took place during His Highness’s visit to the Dubai Police Officers Club, where he was welcomed by His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, along with other senior officials.
The Genome Centre is structured into four main sections: Human Genome, Metagenome, Bioinformatics, and Biotechnology. Each section plays a crucial role in the overall functioning of the centre. The Human Genome section focuses on analyzing degraded samples to determine individuals’ genetic backgrounds and conduct molecular autopsy testing. The Metagenome section specializes in examining non-human and environmental samples to identify their species or strains. The Bioinformatics and Biotechnology sections utilize artificial intelligence for statistical analysis of variants based on genomic data.
This initiative aligns with the UAE’s National Genomics Strategy, which aims to establish an integrated framework for genomic programs and transform the country into a hub for research and innovation in this field. With this move, Dubai Police has positioned itself at the forefront of law enforcement agencies worldwide in terms of genomic science.
During his visit, His Highness was also briefed on the Dubai Police’s forensic entomology project, a pioneering initiative in the Middle East. The project team has achieved a significant milestone by reducing the time required for obtaining critical forensic results to less than 24 hours, setting a new global standard.
His Highness also reviewed the outcomes of using Dubai Police’s ‘Brain Fingerprint’ system, an advanced tool that measures the brainwave activity of suspects when exposed to images associated with the crime scene or tools used in committing the crime. This system offers precise insights into the suspect’s memory of the crime, enhancing the professionalism and accuracy of security operations.
The Genome Centre is supported by the force’s initiative to sponsor select employees and students for specialized education in genomics at prestigious international universities. This initiative strengthens Dubai Police’s leadership in the technological and scientific domains, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a regional and global role model for progress and prosperity.