Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Dubai Customs has launched a new fleet of vehicles for its customs dog unit, “K9”. This launch coincided with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. It also supports the national anti-drug campaign launched by the National Anti-Narcotics Agency under the slogan “United to Eradicate the Scourge”.
The move comes as part of Dubai Customs’ efforts to enhance the readiness of its customs inspection system. Furthermore, it aims to improve field response efficiency. Moreover, it supports the protection of society and efforts to counter attempts to smuggle narcotics and prohibited materials through border crossings.
Smart Vehicles Built to Global Standards
Dubai Customs explained that the two new vehicles were designed according to the highest international specifications to meet the operational requirements of the “K9” unit. As a result, they ensure rapid response to inspection requests received from customs centers. Additionally, they improve the efficiency of field operations. They also provide advanced standards of safety and care for the dogs.
The vehicles include an integrated smart technology system featuring cameras to monitor the dogs’ movement inside the kennels. In addition, there are systems to track driver alertness while driving. Thermal sensors monitor kennel temperatures in real time and send instant alerts when safe limits are exceeded.
The vehicles have also been fitted with special emergency panels to facilitate rapid access to inspection sites. Meanwhile, work is underway to complete their electronic connection with Dubai Customs’ main operations room. This will enable direct monitoring of the “K9” unit’s field operations.
Specialized Unit With 28 Customs Dogs
Dubai Customs’ canine unit currently includes 28 customs dogs, including 20 specialized in detecting narcotics and 8 trained to detect explosives. They are supervised by 24 handlers. Among them are 20 male handlers and 4 female handlers.
The unit carried out 341 field deployments in 2023. It also carried out 419 deployments in 2024, and 290 deployments in 2025. This provided support and assistance for inspection operations across various ports and customs centers.
The unit operates from an integrated facility designed according to the highest international standards. It includes 54 kennels for customs dogs, 5 quarantine kennels, 5 specialized training facilities, a veterinary examination room, and training fields that simulate different inspection scenarios. In addition, there are 6 vehicles dedicated to transporting customs dogs. This increase comes after the two new vehicles joined the fleet.
Supporting Border Security and Community Protection
Yaser Saeed Al-Musalami, Principal Consultant for Customs Affairs at Dubai Customs, affirmed that the launch of the new fleet represents another step in the department’s ongoing development efforts to strengthen the customs inspection system. Furthermore, it supports the capabilities of the customs dog unit. This unit is a key component of border security and community protection against the entry of narcotics and prohibited materials.
He said Dubai Customs is committed to continuous investment in smart technologies and modern tools that enhance inspectors’ capabilities and raise the efficiency of customs operations. In addition, he noted that the new “K9” fleet is a qualitative addition to the inspection system. It strengthens response speed, supports field readiness and provides an integrated operational environment.
For his part, Fuad Al-Suwaidi, Director of the Technical Support Department at Dubai Customs, said developing the capabilities of the “K9” unit is not limited to providing the latest vehicles. It also includes an integrated system of training, qualification and healthcare to maintain the highest levels of operational readiness.
He added that Dubai Customs continues to invest in specialized training facilities that simulate various inspection scenarios at land, sea and air ports. In addition, they provide diverse training fields, a veterinary clinic, quarantine facilities and rooms for storing hazardous materials. These align with international best practices for operating customs dog units. The launch of the new vehicles comes within Dubai Customs’ ongoing efforts to develop the border security system. It also aims to enhance the readiness of its specialized units with the latest technologies and operational solutions. This supports inspectors’ ability to detect narcotics and prohibited materials at an early stage. At the same time, it reinforces the department’s role in protecting society and securing legitimate trade flows.
