Hundreds of houses in Dubai are now equipped with smart cameras that allow them to watch their homes on their phones while they are on holiday. And in case someone breaks into their place, a notification would pop up on their device.
The Dubai Police on Tuesday (July 16) announced that 500 homes in Oud Al Muteena are now covered by its 'Smart Home Security' (SHS) programme. Some 397 houses in the same area will be added to the list, while 346 others in Hatta will also be covered soon, according to Faisal Nasruddin Bloki, director of engineering supervision department at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MBRHE).
The SHS programme is not new - but the Dubai Police have observed a spike in demand starting last year.
Lt-Col Rashid Abdul Rahman bin Zabawi Al Falasi, director of the Criminal Investigation Department at the Dubai Police, said that in 2018, the number of SHS subscribers increased by 22 per cent from 2017 figures.
The higher numbers, they said, can be attributed to better awareness among residents and stronger partnerships with several institutions.
Among their partner organisations are the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, the MBRHE, Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du) and three other companies that provide and install the smart cameras.
Powered by artificial intelligence, the smart cameras will also be connected to the police's monitoring programme called Oyoon (Eyes), which can detect any suspicious individuals or activities at the registered houses.
To sign up for SHS, residents may submit a request to the Dubai Police through the police's smart app, indicating their travel dates. If any other individual would be staying in the house - such as domestic workers, drivers or relatives - the information must also be included in the request.
Once the request is received, a team from the Criminal Investigation Department will visit the house to check for any possible security gaps and provide solutions.
Lt-Col Al Falasi also explained that the cameras used are capable of capturing HD quality videos and live-streaming; can support night vision mood; can be connected to smart phones; and have reserve batteries in case of power cuts.
Even with the smart technology in place, travellers must still take the necessary precautions to keep their homes and valuables safe, he said.
Money and jewellery, for example, are best kept in banks or with a trusted person who live in the country, the officer said. Parking your car in a safe area indoors is also a must.
Why you should sign up for the Smart Home Security
>The monitoring service is free
>The smart camera system is connected to the Dubai Police's monitoring programme
>It allows you to monitor your home through an app on your smart phones
>You will get a notification in case a suspicious activity is detected in your home
>Cops will check your home for any security gaps and provide you with solutions
How to sign up for SHS
>Submit a request via the Dubai Police smart app
>Don't forget to provide details about your travel dates
>If anyone else will be staying in your home while you're away, mention it in your request
7 tips for a 'green summer'
Worried about your utility bills this summer?
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) recently launched its 'Let's Make This Summer Green' campaign that aims to encourage residents to adopt sustainable practices and rationalise their use of electricity and water this season.
Dewa shared tips on how you can save on your utility bills and, at the same time, protect the environment and reduce your carbon footprint.
>Avoid using appliances that use a lot of electricity - such as irons, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, water heaters, and electrical ovens - during peak-load hours from 12pm to 6pm
>Adjust air conditioning to 24°C, and switch it off when you leave the room
>If air conditioning is on in a room, ensure all doors and windows are closed
>Use ceiling fans to keep air circulating
>Turn off unnecessary lights, appliances, and electronic devices and unplug them to eliminate standby use
>Water your plants before 8am or after 6pm - and in several short sessions rather than one long one - to reduce water evaporation
>Install a high-efficiency showerhead to save about one gallon of water per minute
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