UAE Deploys AI-Powered Vehicle to Track Visa Violators
Dubai Introduces AI-Powered Smart Car to Monitor Visa and Residency Violations
Dubai: A new high-tech vehicle is set to hit the roads in the UAE — but it’s not your typical electric car. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has unveiled a fully electric “smart inspection car” equipped with advanced surveillance and AI technology to identify visa and residency violations in real time.
The smart car is fitted with six strategically placed cameras, offering full 360-degree coverage, and can capture facial images of individuals within a 10-metre radius. These images are processed through an integrated AI-powered system and a custom-built dashboard that provides real-time alerts and heat maps, explained Faris Almaeeni, Manager of the Foreign Affairs Systems Department at ICP.
“It’s fully electric. It has its own dashboard, and it works with AI to generate heat maps and alerts,” said Almaeeni during the Gitex 2025 showcase.
Human Oversight Remains
Despite its high level of automation, the smart car is not driverless. A trained officer will operate the vehicle as part of routine patrols. When a potential violation is flagged — such as expired residency or illegal employment — the officer will manually intervene, verify documents, and proceed with the appropriate legal protocol.
“This is not fully automated. The officer will get down, speak to the individual, and attempt to resolve the issue through standard procedures,” Almaeeni added.
Deployment Timeline
ICP aims to roll out the first fleet in early 2026, starting in Dubai before expanding to other emirates. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to digitise inspection and immigration services across the UAE.
The smart inspection car was one of several innovative technologies unveiled by ICP at Gitex Global 2025, aligning with the UAE’s national drive towards AI integration and enhanced border security.
A Timely Innovation
The launch follows a significant increase in enforcement activity. In the first half of 2025 alone, ICP recorded over 32,000 visa violations, including overstays and unauthorized employment. The smart inspection car aims to streamline enforcement, reduce manual verification time, and accelerate case response — all while maintaining a human-in-the-loop approach.
If successful, this initiative could redefine how immigration enforcement is carried out in the region, balancing technological precision with responsible oversight.
