Dubai Police is deploying 253 security and traffic patrols and 28 drones around schools as thousands of pupils prepare to return to classrooms for the 2026-2027 academic year.The citywide operation, organised under the School Security initiative, combines policing, traffic management, aerial monitoring and awareness programmes aimed at protecting pupils and keeping vehicles moving during the morning drop-off and afternoon collection periods.
The deployment will be supported by 775 police personnel who will engage directly with students and school communities. Dubai Police is also assigning four luxury patrols, five mounted patrols and 65 bicycles to increase visibility around campuses and strengthen the ability of officers to respond quickly where congestion or safety problems develop.
The 28 drones will be used to observe traffic conditions and key locations, providing officers with an additional view of roads and school surroundings at a time when traffic volumes are expected to rise sharply. The technology complements conventional patrols and forms part of Dubai's broader move towards data-driven and technology-assisted policing.
Schools following the Ministry of Education calendar begin the new academic year on August 31. The return of pupils after the summer break traditionally increases pressure on roads close to major school clusters, particularly in residential districts containing several campuses.
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has introduced parallel measures to deal with the expected surge. Bus frequencies are being increased on more than 30 routes serving important school areas, including Al Nahda, Muhaisnah, Al Barsha, Al Quoz, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Al Garhoud. Taxi availability is also being expanded in selected school zones during opening and closing hours.
Road improvements completed during the summer cover six locations serving more than 10 schools. The works include areas in Wadi Al Safa 4, Al Barsha, Umm Al Sheif, Dubai Motor City, Dubai Studio City and Al Sufouh, with the changes designed to improve access and reduce conflict between vehicles and pedestrians around school entrances.
Police preparations extend beyond traffic enforcement. A total of 217 students from the Safety Ambassadors programme will participate in activities intended to encourage pupils to take a more active role in promoting safe behaviour among their peers.
Thirty awareness programmes involving 16 partner entities are planned under the wider initiative. Nineteen events are scheduled for the first day of school, covering subjects such as road safety, the correct use of pedestrian crossings and ways of communicating with Dubai Police.
Captain Majid Al Kaabi, head of the School Security initiative, said the programme seeks to provide a secure and interactive educational environment for pupils and staff at public and private schools. The initiative brings together programmes including the International Hemaya Center, Positive Spirit Council, School Security, Safety Ambassadors and Naseej.
Police have placed particular emphasis on cooperation between families, schools and authorities, reflecting concerns that congestion outside campuses can create risks when vehicles stop in undesignated areas, pupils cross busy roads or drivers compete for limited space during peak periods.
School security guards have also received training covering traffic safety and situations that can arise around campuses. The sessions include procedures for reporting minor road accidents through Dubai Police digital services, recognising traffic signs, managing vehicle movement near school entrances and assisting pupils as they board or leave buses.
The training addresses how guards should respond before police or emergency teams arrive, giving school staff a greater role in handling low-level incidents and maintaining safe movement around entrances and exits.
Transport authorities are simultaneously reinforcing requirements for school buses and other services carrying pupils. Seat belts remain mandatory, while operators face inspections and regulatory checks intended to ensure vehicles and drivers meet safety standards before regular school journeys resume.
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