Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai has inaugurated the Genome Centre at Dubai Police’s General Department of Forensic Science and Criminology. The move is a significant leap forward for Dubai Police, strengthening their leadership in the technological and scientific domains.
The Genome Centre, unveiled during a visit by Sheikh Hamdan to the Dubai Police Officers Club, marks a significant milestone for both Dubai and the United Arab Emirates as a whole. Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, welcomed the Crown Prince during the launch ceremony, attended by senior officials and dignitaries.
A hub of scientific excellence
The Genome Centre is dedicated to advancing policing work by developing cutting-edge tests in forensic identification, genetics, and metagenomics. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the UAE’s National Genomics Strategy, aiming to establish a comprehensive framework for genomic programs and position the nation as a global hub for research and innovation in the field. Dubai Police now stands at the forefront of law enforcement agencies worldwide when it comes to genomic science.
During the visit, Sheikh Hamdan explored the organisational structure of the Genome Centre, consisting of four key sections:
- Human Genome: This section is responsible for analysing degraded samples to determine the genetic background of individuals and performing molecular autopsy testing.
- Metagenome: Specialising in examining non-human and environmental samples to identify their species or strains.
- Bioinformatics: Dedicated to using artificial intelligence for statistical analysis of variants based on genomic data.
- Biotechnology: Focused on employing advanced biotechnology techniques to enhance forensic capabilities.
This new centre is further bolstered by Dubai Police’s initiative to sponsor select employees and students for specialised education in genomics at prestigious international universities, ensuring a continuous flow of expertise and knowledge.
Revolutionising forensic science
One of the remarkable achievements highlighted during the visit was Dubai Police’s pioneering forensic entomology project. This ground-breaking initiative represents the first of its kind in the Middle East, utilising a regional database to advance forensic science. The Genome Centre’s forensic entomology team achieved an extraordinary milestone by reducing the time required for critical forensic results to under 24 hours, setting a new global standard. This achievement adds immeasurable value to Dubai Police’s capabilities, as they have trained experts and built a comprehensive scientific database, utilising data from diverse geographic and climatic simulations.
Dubai Police’s proficiency in forensic entomology includes cataloguing local insect species, studying their life cycles, examining climatic and geographical impacts, measuring growth rates, and applying this data effectively to real-world cases.
The power of ‘Brain Fingerprint’
Sheikh Hamdan also looked into the remarkable outcomes of using Dubai Police’s ‘Brain Fingerprint’ system to solve criminal cases. This advanced system employs a specialised device to measure the brainwave activity of suspects when exposed to images associated with crime scenes or tools used in criminal activities. The ‘Brain Fingerprint’ system provides precise insights into a suspect’s memory of the crime, enhancing the professionalism and accuracy of security operations.
Lt. Gen. Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri emphasised Dubai Police’s commitment to continuously enhance its capabilities, ensuring safety and security, and reaffirming the UAE’s position as a regional and global role model for progress and prosperity.
The inauguration of the Genome Centre in Dubai marks a turning point in the advancement of forensic science and technology, further cementing the city’s status as a global leader in innovation and scientific research. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the unwavering dedication of Dubai Police to ensuring safety and security in the region.
