By Desmond Nleya
DUBAI, Dubai Municipality has launched a pilot phase of an advanced smart camera system under its Smart Waste Management framework, aimed at strengthening public cleanliness monitoring and accelerating responses to environmental violations.
The system leverages artificial intelligence and real-time data analysis to enhance oversight and enforcement across the city. During the pilot phase, smart cameras have been installed on selected waste collection and transportation vehicles to monitor cleanliness levels on roads and within residential areas.
The initiative is designed to detect illegal waste dumping near waste containers, sidewalks, and public squares, as well as other activities that negatively impact the city’s appearance. Captured images are analysed instantly and displayed on interactive digital dashboards, enabling field teams to respond swiftly and efficiently.
The system identifies a range of violations, including littering in public spaces—an offence punishable by fines of up to AED500—as well as the improper disposal of furniture, bulky waste, and other practices that contribute to waste accumulation.
Engineer Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, said the project is part of a broader strategic approach to enhance monitoring effectiveness, support data-driven decision-making, and develop sustainable policies that improve the urban environment. He noted that the results of the pilot phase will be carefully evaluated before any wider rollout of the system.
Engineer Adel Al Marzouqi, Executive Director of the Waste and Sewerage Agency, explained that the technology enables accurate documentation of violations and faster corrective action, while ensuring community privacy in line with Dubai’s smart city and digital transformation objectives.
The initiative supports the Dubai Integrated Waste Management Strategy 2041 and reflects Dubai Municipality’s commitment to improving public cleanliness, enhancing quality of life, and reinforcing the emirate’s global leadership in sustainability and innovation.
