The oil-rich Middle Eastern nation’s police force already has an impressive vehicle fleet in its arsenal, with Ferraris and Lamborghinis among its cop cars. Now, police in the UAE are set to have hoverbikes as they look to revolutionise crime fighting once more. Authorities in Dubai believe it will help police reach emergencies at super speed and are set to order the hoverbikes in the coming weeks.
The vehicles in question are manufactured by Hoversurf – a Russian-owned company based in California – which has already gifted police in Dubai its first serial production of the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle the Hoversurf S3.
Hoversurf S3s can travel at up to 100 km/h and, despite weighing 115 kilograms, can fly around four metres above the surface.
However, police will not be able to use them for long distance pursuits as they can only travel for 25 minutes a time when manned.
The hoverbikes cost $150,000 (£115,222), but for oil-rich Dubai, the price is no stumbling block.
Hoversurf’s chief operating officer Joseph Segura-Conn told CNN: “They’re going to let us know in the next month or two if they’d like any more … If they would like 30 or 40, we’ll make it happen for them.”
General director of Dubai Police’s artificial intelligence department Brigadier Khalid Nasser Alrazooqi added: “Currently we have two crews already training (to pilot the hoverbike) and we’re increasing the number.”
Dubai also has plans to introduce robots to its police force, unveiled last year.
The 5 foot 5 inches tall robot can read facial expressions and can speak six languages.
It also has a built-in screen through which people can report crimes, pay fines and send message to human officers.
Because the robot also boasts a seat and wheels it is possible to ride the police officers around.
Dubai hope the prototype will make up a quarter of the kingdom’s police force by 2030.
A spokesperson for the Dubai Police said: “The launch of the world’s first operational Robocop is a significant milestone for the Emirate and a step towards realising Dubai’s vision to be a global leader in smart cities technology adoption.
“With an aim to assist and help people in the malls or on the streets, the Robocop is the latest smart addition to the force and has been designed to help us fight crime, keep the city safe and improve happiness levels.
“He can chat and interact, respond to public queries, shake hands and offer a military salute.”