Dubai Police Lead Global Advancements with New Genome Centre

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, inaugurated the Genome Center at Dubai Police’s General Department of Forensic Science and Criminology. This center is dedicated to advancing forensic identification, genetics, and metagenomics, bolstering Dubai Police’s technological and scientific capabilities. The initiative aligns with the UAE’s National Genomics Strategy, which aims to make the country a global hub for genomic research and innovation. Dubai Police now leads genomic science within law enforcement worldwide.
The Genome Center comprises four key sections: Human Genome, Metagenome, Bioinformatics, and Biotechnology. These sections handle tasks ranging from genetic analysis to metagenomic examinations and statistical analysis using artificial intelligence. Dubai Police is further supporting the center by sponsoring employees and students for specialized education in genomics at renowned international universities.
During his visit, Sheikh Hamdan learned about Dubai Police’s forensic entomology project, a pioneering effort in the Middle East utilizing a regional database. This initiative significantly reduces the time required to obtain critical forensic results, setting a new global standard of under 24 hours. The project’s achievements stem from training experts, creating a scientific database, and conducting extensive research on local insect species, life cycles, and environmental impacts. These advancements enhance Dubai Police’s proficiency in determining the causes of death through forensic science.