High-tech weapon in the fight against Dubai building fires
Dubai Civil Defence and security professionals have promised upgraded technology and better trained staff to ensure the safety of residents.
Brig Rashid Buflasa, a director at civil defence, said that nanotechnology would be used to prevent fires in commercial buildings, and he hoped it would be introduced in time for Expo 2020.
The nanotechnology device consists of solid layer with moisture inside, which releases water vapour when the outer surface starts to melt due to heat.
The device prevents fires by stifling heat, fuel and oxygen, Brig Buflasa said ahead of next week’s Intersec conference on security, safety and protection in Dubai.
“According to our statistics, most fires are electric, like short-circuits and poor connections,” he said.
“We’ll fix the nanotechnology inside the sockets, starting with commercial buildings like malls and warehouses, and eventually we’ll go into residential buildings.”
It was also announced that police would soon be provided with equipment that would deliver breakthroughs in fighting crime and preserving homeland security. The private sector would play a major role in providing these tools.
The chief executive of the Security Industry Regulatory Authority said yesterday it would strengthen the quality of its security guards across the country.
“We will improve both our manpower and our devices,” Khalifah Al Sulais said.
“Dubai has a reputation for being one of the safest places in the world and we intend to keep it that way.”
The security market in the Middle East has evolved significantly over the past 20 years, growing from US$52 million (Dh191m) in 1998 to $12.2 billion last year.
Its focus has shifted from simpler technology such as pedestrian barriers, turnstiles and traditional surveillance cameras to more sophisticated technologies such as sensor-based cameras, automated traffic bollards and biometric access systems.
Video surveillance will be one of the largest areas of growth in the Middle East in homeland and commercial security markets, experts said.
Evolving security trends will include an increase in security drones, smart storage solutions, artificial intelligence and T-rays, a safe form of electromagnetic radiation that can detect harmful gases or dangerous materials, and is useful for airport security.
Intersec will take place in Dubai from Sunday to Tuesday.