How Dubai Police Uses AI to Return What’s Lost

In a city known for its fast pace and international traffic, losing something valuable can be a distressing experience. But Dubai Police is redefining the lost and found process through smart technology.

With the integration of AI-driven item tracking, the force now operates a unified recovery system that connects police stations, hotels, malls, and public service points—all accessible through the Dubai Police app.

What’s New

Dubai Police’s smart lost and found system uses artificial intelligence to match reported items with those found across the city. The platform has already helped return over 80,000 lost items, from smartphones and passports to high-value items like watches and jewelry. A single AI engine scans descriptions and metadata to pair lost reports with found property, cutting response times from days to minutes.

One high-profile case involved a traveler who lost a Rolex at the airport, only to have it returned within ten minutes of filing a report—thanks to real-time data matching by the AI backend.

Why It Matters

Dubai’s lost and found innovation reflects the city’s broader vision for smart government services that are fast, accurate, and citizen-centric. Beyond convenience, it demonstrates how public sector agencies can apply AI to real-world problems, boosting trust and saving users time and money.

• More than AED 18 million in estimated item replacement costs have been saved.

• AI matching improves recovery rates while reducing workload on police staff.

• Mobile integration empowers residents and tourists alike to report and track lost items easily.