Dubai Police has unveiled the second generation of its Ghiath smart patrol vehicle. The new patrol vehicle uses the DENZA B8, a plug-in hybrid SUV developed by BYD, instead of the previous model built on the Chevrolet Suburban. This decision moves the force away from traditional American muscle towards Chinese electric vehicle technology. The launch took place on 8 July and included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Dubai Police and Al-Futtaim, BYD’s exclusive distributor in the UAE.
The original Ghiath, unveiled in March 2022, was a statement vehicle. Built by Emirati supercar maker W Motors, it featured a massive V8 engine, rear-hinged suicide doors, and multiple touchscreens. The project cost Dh196 million and positioned the patrol as one of the most advanced security vehicles in the world. It carried a 360-degree deployable camera, eight exterior surveillance cameras, and facial and licence plate recognition systems. A deployable drone added aerial surveillance capability. The vehicle looked like something from a science fiction film.
The second generation takes a different approach. The DENZA B8 is a practical seven-seater plug-in hybrid that produces 603 horsepower and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. It weighs three tonnes but delivers the kind of performance once reserved for sports cars. The hybrid system combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with dual electric motors, offering long driving range and the ability to operate on electric power for shorter urban journeys. This combination of power and efficiency makes it suitable for both high-speed pursuits and daily city patrols.
The Shift from Supercar Status to Sustainable Strategy
Dubai Police has not abandoned its reputation for flashy vehicles. The force still operates luxury supercars that patrol tourist areas and generate global publicity. But the Ghiath programme serves a different purpose. These vehicles are workhorses, not showpieces. They need to perform reliably across thousands of hours of active duty.
The move to a plug-in hybrid platform reflects growing attention to operational costs and environmental impact. Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, said the new patrol reinforces the force’s ambition to remain among the world’s leading law enforcement organisations by adopting the latest technologies and advanced equipment. He added that the partnership with Al-Futtaim and BYD represents another step towards building a smarter, more efficient and sustainable police fleet.
This is not just about public relations. Police fleets consume enormous amounts of fuel. A hybrid vehicle that can complete routine patrols on electric power reduces fuel costs significantly. The DENZA B8’s plug-in hybrid system allows officers to switch between electric and petrol power depending on the situation. Short urban patrols can run on electricity alone, while longer pursuits or highway operations use the petrol engine. This flexibility gives Dubai Police a vehicle that performs well in every scenario while lowering emissions and fuel consumption.
Artificial Intelligence Makes These Vehicles More Than Transport
The Ghiath programme has always been about integrating artificial intelligence into policing. The first generation already used AI for facial recognition, licence plate scanning, and real-time data processing. The second generation builds on this foundation with more advanced systems.
The DENZA B8-based patrol integrates AI-powered surveillance, connected technologies, and advanced communications systems into the patrol fleet. Officers can access real-time data from the vehicle’s cameras and sensors, allowing them to make faster decisions during incidents. The vehicle can identify wanted individuals and stolen vehicles automatically, reducing the time officers spend on manual checks.
Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei highlighted the importance of public-private sector collaboration, noting that Dubai Police continues to prioritise strategic partnerships that contribute to innovation and improved operational capabilities. This partnership approach allows the force to access the latest technology without developing everything in-house. Al-Futtaim brings distribution expertise and local knowledge, while BYD provides world-class electric vehicle technology.
The Choice of DENZA B8 Makes Strategic Sense
The decision to use the DENZA B8 is worth examining closely. BYD has become the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, surpassing Tesla in global sales. The company has invested heavily in battery technology and hybrid systems, producing vehicles that combine performance with efficiency. DENZA is BYD’s premium brand, developed in partnership with Mercedes-Benz, which gives it credibility in the luxury segment.
Dubai Police could have chosen any vehicle platform for the new Ghiath. The fact that they selected a Chinese plug-in hybrid SUV rather than an American V8 or a European luxury model tells us something about their priorities. Performance matters, but so do sustainability, cost, and long-term reliability. The DENZA B8 delivers on all these fronts.
The partnership with Al-Futtaim also provides local support and maintenance capabilities. Police vehicles require specialised servicing and rapid repairs. Having a local distributor with established service networks reduces downtime and keeps patrols operational. This practical consideration matters more than the prestige of a particular brand.
A Wider Push Towards Smart Policing
The new Ghiath is not an isolated project. It forms part of Dubai Police’s broader strategy to expand its use of smart mobility, artificial intelligence, and sustainable transport technologies. The force has been steadily building a technology ecosystem that includes autonomous patrols, AI-powered traffic management, and smart police stations.
In May 2026, Dubai Police showcased the M01 autonomous patrol vehicle at ISNR 2026, a self-driving security vehicle equipped with advanced sensors, radars, and 360-degree cameras. The force also deployed the DPR 02 autonomous robotic patrol at Global Village in 2025. These initiatives demonstrate a clear commitment to automation and AI across all aspects of policing.
The Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Council of Dubai Police reviewed an AI-driven digital transformation plan in June 2026. The plan aims to develop a high-quality system of police and administrative services based on smart technologies and advanced data analytics. The council also discussed targets for converting 50% of government processes into intelligent, self-executing operations. The Ghiath programme aligns perfectly with this broader vision.
The Future of Policing
The second-generation Ghiath represents a maturation of Dubai Police’s technology strategy. The first generation was about making a statement. The second generation is about building a sustainable, scalable capability. This shift from spectacle to substance is exactly what large organisations need to do when moving from pilot projects to full deployment.
Yousuf AlRaeesi, Director of Government Affairs at Al-Futtaim, said the collaboration supports Dubai Police’s long-term fleet development strategy while contributing to the UAE’s reputation for safety and innovation. This dual focus on operational effectiveness and national reputation is characteristic of Dubai’s approach to technology adoption.
The new Ghiath also shows that Chinese electric vehicle technology has reached a level where it can compete with established Western brands in demanding applications like police work. BYD’s vehicles are no longer seen as cheap alternatives. They are serious products that can meet the performance and reliability requirements of professional fleets.
Lieutenant General Al Marri described the new patrol as reinforcing Dubai Police’s ambition to remain among the world’s leading law enforcement organisations. That ambition now rests on a foundation of practical, sustainable technology rather than just flashy design. The second-generation Ghiath proves that the force understands the difference.
