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Meet Wabel, UAE’s robo-fireman

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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.

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Parkonic introduces new paid parking areas in Dubai Silicon Oasis

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Motorists visiting Dubai Silicon Oasis will notice a major change in parking operations as new Parkonic-managed on-street parking zones officially come into effect from June 1.

The latest expansion covers several areas surrounding Dubai Silicon Oasis, including locations near University Residence buildings, and forms part of Dubai’s broader transition towards a fully digital parking ecosystem.

Unlike traditional parking systems that rely on tickets, parking meters or pay-and-display machines, the new setup uses automatic number plate recognition technology to identify vehicles and process payments seamlessly. The system is designed to offer a faster and more convenient experience for drivers while supporting Dubai’s smart city ambitions.

Under the Parkonic model, parking charges can be automatically deducted through a vehicle owner’s Salik account, eliminating the need for manual payments. Drivers who prefer an alternative method can also pay via SMS by following the instructions displayed on parking signs within the designated zones.

As part of the rollout, authorities have confirmed that cash payments, parking meters and QR code transactions will no longer be accepted in the newly activated areas.

Parking fees will vary depending on the time of day. Motorists will be charged Dh4 per hour from midnight until 4pm, while peak-hour rates will increase to Dh6 per hour between 4pm and 8pm. Charges will then return to Dh4 per hour from 8pm until midnight.

The expansion reflects Dubai’s ongoing investment in smart mobility solutions aimed at simplifying everyday services for residents and visitors. By integrating parking payments with existing digital infrastructure such as Salik, authorities hope to reduce congestion, improve operational efficiency and create a more seamless urban mobility experience.

Drivers using the new zones are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the updated payment process and ensure their Salik account details are active and up to date to avoid potential penalties.

For motorists requiring assistance, Parkonic has made customer support available through its dedicated helpline and online support channels.

The latest rollout marks another step in Dubai’s journey towards a smarter, more connected transport network, where technology continues to replace traditional systems and enhance convenience for road users across the emirate.

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Dubai exit to Maliha Road closed nightly for 10 days: What drivers need to know

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Drivers travelling through Dubai during late-night hours are advised to plan after authorities announced a temporary closure of the exit leading to Maliha Road as part of ongoing Etihad Rail infrastructure development works.

The closure will be in effect daily from midnight until 6am, beginning on June 1 and continuing through June 10. During this period, the affected exit will remain inaccessible for 6 hours each night while construction work is underway.

Officials said the temporary measure is necessary to support progress on the Etihad Rail project, one of the UAE’s most significant transport infrastructure initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity across the country.

Motorists who regularly use the route are encouraged to identify alternative roads and allow extra travel time, particularly during the overnight closure window. Traffic diversions and alternative access routes are expected to help minimise disruption for road users.

Authorities have urged drivers to follow road signs, adhere to traffic guidance and remain updated on any changes related to the works.

The temporary closure forms part of broader efforts to advance the UAE’s transport network and support future mobility projects that will improve travel efficiency and connectivity nationwide.

Officials also thanked motorists for their patience and cooperation during the construction period, while apologising for any inconvenience caused as work continues on the major infrastructure project.

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UAE fuel prices for June announced: Petrol edges closer to Dh4 a litre

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The UAE announced revised fuel prices for June 2026, with motorists set to pay significantly more for petrol while diesel costs decline compared to the previous month.

The latest adjustment is particularly notable as it marks the country’s first monthly fuel pricing update since formally leaving both OPEC and OPEC+ earlier this year.

Beginning June 1, Super 98 petrol will be priced at Dh3.95 per litre, up from Dh3.66 in May. Special 95 will rise to Dh3.83 per litre from Dh3.55, while E-Plus 91 will increase from Dh3.48 to Dh3.76 per litre.

In contrast, diesel users will benefit from a reduction, with prices falling from Dh4.69 per litre in May to Dh4.33 in June.

The latest increase extends a three-month upward trend in petrol prices, reflecting ongoing volatility in global energy markets and fluctuations in crude oil prices.

Impact on residents

For households across the UAE, fuel price movements remain a key economic indicator, influencing transportation costs, daily commuting expenses and overall household budgets. Rising petrol prices can have a noticeable impact on monthly spending, particularly for residents who rely heavily on private vehicles.

The June pricing announcement comes just weeks after the UAE officially ended its six-decade membership in OPEC and OPEC+, a move that took effect on May 1, 2026.

The revised prices will come into effect from June1, 2026.

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