Utrecht Launches First UAE-Inspired Smart Police Station In The Netherlands

Sharon Dijksma, Mayor of Utrecht, and Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, have inaugurated the first Smart Police Station in the Netherlands, named "SPS Utrecht." This initiative follows the successful implementation of similar stations in the UAE.

The establishment of SPS Utrecht highlights strategic partnerships between the UAE and the Netherlands. It aligns with the vision of leaders from both nations to enhance mutual interests and security. The project supports directives from the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Image Courtesy: Dubai Police

Sharon Dijksma remarked on her visit to Dubai last year, stating, "During my visit to Dubai last year, I saw how innovation can facilitate more officers on the beat. In addition, this new smart police station in the city's heart will make reporting nuisance or crime even easier. I am proud that we, together with the police, exerted all efforts to bring this concept to Utrecht."

The inauguration was also attended by Rob van Bree, Chief of Investigations and Special Operations of the Dutch National Police; Jolanda Aalbers, Operations Director for Eastern Netherlands; and His Excellency Ali Saeed Al Shehhi, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim in the Netherlands.

Jolanda Aalbers highlighted the collaboration with Dubai Police: "We are very happy with this cooperation and the opening of this unique smart police station in the Netherlands. We look forward to our continued cooperation, allowing us to learn from one another in shared professional fields and benefit society in both countries."

This initiative follows discussions between Dubai Police and Dutch authorities on enhancing policing cooperation. They focused on crime prevention and sharing best practices.

Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri emphasized that SPS Utrecht aligns with UAE's strategic goals to strengthen international relations. He noted that SPS Utrecht is only the second Smart Police Station globally after Serbia's station opened in 2023.

"This underscores the unique and pioneering success of the UAE and the Ministry of Interior, represented by Dubai Police, in line with our visionary leadership," he explained.

SPS Utrecht is located at Utrecht Central Station's vital area. It aims to serve residents, travellers, and commuters from nearby cities efficiently.

Al Marri further highlighted that Dubai Police aims to share successful government experiences worldwide. He quoted His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: "The UAE adopts and promotes cooperation and integration aimed at serving humanity and the welfare of people in its relations with the world."

The inauguration follows a Memorandum of Understanding between Dubai Police and Dutch police. This agreement focuses on enhancing police cooperation through expertise exchange.

Colonel Tareq Hilal from Dubai Police's General Department of Criminal Investigation attended the event alongside Erwin Janssen, CEO of SD Worx; Van Winsen Marcel, Airport Manager AMS at Etihad; among others.

SPS Utrecht offers various services such as video call communication with officers, inquiry services, criminal reporting services, along with community security services. These services operate 24/7 without human intervention.