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Meet Wabel, UAE’s robo-fireman

Published

3 years ago

May 21, 2023

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FFBOTS, the Jebel Ali Industrial Area-based Emirati firm, has launched the first locally-made firefighting robot of its kind in the Middle East, with world-class technical specifications and operational capabilities.

Called Wabel, which means rain, the robot provides a qualitative addition to firefighting departments and their efforts to reach critical but difficult areas or when it comes to dangerous physically-demanding tasks that may compromise their safety.

The development comes less than two weeks after a Emirati fighter died in a post-fire tragic incident in Al Aweer, Dubai. Sgt Omar Khalifa Al Ketbi, 29, from Dubai Civil Defence, lost his life in the line of duty when a slab fell on him during cooling down operations after a fire broke out at the Al Kabayel Discount Centre.

In 2016, Jasim Al Beloushi died while responding to a situation at the Dubai International Airport following the emergency landing of Emirates Airline flight EK521. Al Beloushi and his colleagues saved all passengers but had to pay the ultimate sacrifice.

“Since its inception, the company has sought to locally manufacture, design and assemble robotics technologies, with a focus on attracting local and international competencies and expertise, inspired by its vision and the passion of the founding-team,” said Mohammed Islam, a robotics expert and CEO of FFBOTS.

“The start has been made from the UAE with a joint Emirati-Saudi investment. We intend to go global, while leveraging artificial intelligence to a maximum … this is especially the case in one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, where giant projects and factories, free zones, warehouses, tall residential towers and other sensitive areas are spread,” he added.

Mohammed Islam indicated that the robot complements rather than annuls the role of civil defence, by providing a qualitative addition to its efforts in fighting fires and preserving lives and property, especially when fires involve high-risk situations, such as proximity to oil and gas reservoirs and highly flammable materials that cannot be approached.

Technical Specifications

Wabel has multiple high-calibre features. Pending the arrival of civil defence personnel, it helps controllers, especially in critical places, to immediately use it remotely and start firefighting operations, benefitting from a powerful flow rate of 8,000 LPM, a range of 100 meters, and a height of 50 meters.
The robot is controlled wirelessly by a control station with a response range of up to 1,000 meters.
It is equipped with 4-hose-inlets and a GPS build routing and maps for robot location and facilitations of navigation.
The robot uses foam and water with a flow rate of 8,000 LPM. It is equipped with six smart cameras covering four directions, making it the firefighter’s eye from the heart of the event.
The robot is also equipped with front-end water sprinklers to cool the surface in front of the robot and vertical water sprinklers to create a water umbrella to cool the robot from above.
Wabel can climb stairs up to 30 degrees, and weights about a ton. It is provided with strong front bumpers.
The robot is also equipped with a dedicated camera for extinguisher target direction and a back camera to facilitate movement, in addition to an inbound audio channel to enable the controller to hear sounds around the robot;
It has 15 temperature-sensing points. The robot’s powerful headlights enable control officers to see clearly during heavy smoke. An audible siren helps locate the robot, while also alerting others in smoky or low-visibility areas and warning residents of a fire.

Related Topics:#UAE AI blaze Civil Defence death Dubai fire firefighter firemen robot safety technology

Staff Reporter

India

Indian passport fees increase in UAE: Here’s the new price list

Published

6 hours ago

July 2, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Indian nationals in the UAE will have to pay more for passport and related consular services from July 1, following a revision in fees announced by the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai.

The new charges apply to passport applications submitted through the embassy, consulate and the new Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across the UAE.

Why are the fees increasing?

The revised charges follow updated passport rules introduced by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on June 20. The new fee structure applies to Indian passport services worldwide, including in the UAE.

What are the new passport fees?

The revised fees are as follows:

36-page passport (new or renewal): Dh450
60-page passport (new or renewal): Dh630
36-page Tatkal passport: Dh900
60-page Tatkal passport: Dh1,080
Replacement of a lost or damaged 36-page passport: Dh900
Tatkal replacement of a lost or damaged 36-page passport: Dh1,350
Replacement of a lost or damaged 60-page passport: Dh1,080
Tatkal replacement of a lost or damaged 60-page passport: Dh1,530

Who will be affected?

The revised fees apply to all eligible passport applications submitted from July 1, including:

New passport applications.
Passport renewals.
Tatkal (urgent) applications.
Replacement of lost or damaged passports.

What should applicants do?

If you’re planning to apply for or renew your Indian passport in the UAE, check the revised fees before booking your appointment.

The updated charges will apply at:

Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi.
Consulate General of India, Dubai.
Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across the UAE.

With around 4.5 million Indians living in the UAE, the revised fee structure will affect one of the country’s largest overseas communities.

News

How DP World ILT20 helped UAE pacer Khuzaima Tanveer reach international cricket

Published

10 hours ago

July 2, 2026

Michael Gomes

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UAE fast bowler Khuzaima Tanveer has credited the DP World ILT20 with accelerating his rise to international cricket, saying the league gave him the confidence and experience needed to represent the UAE on the global stage.

The 26-year-old, who made his international debut earlier this year, believes competing alongside some of the world’s top cricketers helped prepare him for the demands of international cricket.

“Representing the UAE was a proud moment for me and it’s something every young cricketer dreams about. The DP World ILT20 helped prepare me because you’re constantly competing against high-quality players. It gives you confidence that you belong on the international stage,” he said.

Breakthrough performances

Khuzaima announced himself during DP World ILT20 Season 3 with impressive figures of 4/22 against Sharjah Warriorz.

Since joining the Desert Vipers, he has claimed 24 wickets in 18 matches across two seasons. During the Vipers’ title-winning campaign, he finished with 17 wickets, making him the second-highest UAE wicket-taker in the tournament and third overall. He was also shortlisted for the Blue Belt, awarded to the competition’s best UAE player.

Learning from the world’s best

Khuzaima said one of the league’s biggest advantages is the opportunity to learn from elite players and coaches.

“A lot of the learning happens during training sessions, team meetings and conversations. I was fortunate to share the dressing room with Sam Curran, Naseem Shah and Lockie Ferguson. Even small pieces of advice from players like them help you become a better cricketer.”

He also described interacting with legendary fast bowlers Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram as one of the highlights of his career.

Inspired, not compared

While fans have compared his bowling action to Pakistan legend Waqar Younis, Khuzaima insists he is focused on building his own identity.

“Waqar Younis is a legend of the game. If people see similarities, I take it as a compliment, but my focus is on becoming the best version of myself.”

Eyes on future

Now a UAE international, Khuzaima says wearing the national jersey comes with greater responsibility.

“Once you represent the UAE, people expect more from you and you expect more from yourself. My aim is to keep improving, perform consistently and contribute whenever I get the opportunity.”

He also praised UAE captain Muhammad Waseem for setting an example for local players, saying his performances in the DP World ILT20 have shown that Emirati cricketers can compete with the world’s best.

Looking ahead to DP World ILT20 Season 5, Khuzaima hopes to continue developing his game and make the most of every opportunity.

“Every season brings new challenges and new opportunities to learn. My goal is to keep improving, contribute to my team and continue making the most of the opportunities the DP World ILT20 provides.”

News

Dubai churches fully reopen from July 1: What worshippers need to know

Published

1 day ago

July 1, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Two of Dubai’s largest Catholic churches have resumed full operations, ending temporary restrictions introduced in April and allowing parishioners to return to normal church activities.

Here’s what has changed.

Which churches have reopened?

The following churches are now fully open from July 1:

St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Oud Metha
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Jebel Ali

Both churches confirmed they are resuming all parish activities following the latest directives from the authorities.

What restrictions have been lifted?

Parishioners can now:

Attend all Masses and services.
Participate in parish activities and community events.
Return to regular church life without the temporary attendance restrictions.

Why were restrictions introduced?

The measures, announced in April, were aimed at preventing overcrowding and included:

Suspension of outdoor church activities.
Weekend Masses limited to adults aged 18 and above.
Mandatory online registration.
No entry for children or unregistered visitors.
Livestreamed Masses for those unable to attend.

Are any guidelines still in place?

Yes. While churches have fully reopened, worshippers are encouraged to continue following any applicable guidelines and to be respectful and considerate of others during services.

What does this mean for parishioners?

The reopening restores normal parish life, allowing families and worshippers to once again take part in religious services, community events and other church activities without the temporary restrictions.