At the heart of innovation, safety, and forward-thinking governance lies a bold new chapter for the UAE. During Expo 2025 in Japan, the Civil Defence in Abu Dhabi unveiled something the world has never seen before — Suhail, the world’s first jet-powered firefighting drone. This isn’t just a technological marvel. It’s a statement of intent. It shows how the UAE, led by a vision of resilience and smart innovation, is shaping the future of civil defence.
In a world where seconds can mean the difference between disaster and safety, Suhail is designed to do more than just respond. It’s built to anticipate, act swiftly, and reach places human crews simply can’t.
A Technological Leap for Humanity
Imagine a high-rise engulfed in flames, with smoke obscuring access and temperatures making it impossible for fire crews to get close. Traditional firefighting methods, no matter how well-trained the responders, have limits — both in reach and speed. Suhail is designed to surpass those limits. It’s the first unmanned aircraft of its kind powered by jet propulsion, capable of vertical flight and precise manoeuvring even in the most complex urban environments. But what sets it apart isn’t just its engine.
Equipped with LiDAR-based 3D scanning, computer vision, and target-detection software, Suhail can map out a scene in real-time, identify fire hotspots, detect obstacles, and navigate through dangerous terrains — all while staying in constant communication with emergency control centres. In effect, it turns a drone into a decision-making machine.
Designed for the Harshest Conditions
Unlike typical drones, which rely on basic propulsion and are vulnerable in windy or smoky conditions, Suhail is engineered to thrive in adverse environments. Think of narrow corridors in burning buildings, wind gusts between skyscrapers, or hard-to-reach locations in mountainous areas. With its smart stabilisation systems and high thermal resistance, it’s not just about flying — it’s about completing a mission under pressure.
Its jet-powered thrust allows it to ascend and reposition faster than conventional aerial support tools, while its compact design ensures it can manoeuvre with agility. Whether it’s dropping fire suppressants or relaying critical data to responders on the ground, every component of Suhail serves a single purpose: to save lives quickly and effectively.
Why Suhail Matters
This drone isn’t just an engineering milestone — it’s a symbol of what’s possible when public safety, innovation, and leadership come together.
For years, the UAE has been at the forefront of technological adoption across sectors like education, healthcare, and smart city development. Now, with Suhail, the UAE is sending a message to the world that emergency services can — and must — evolve with the same urgency.
The unveiling of Suhail is also part of a larger national effort to prioritise AI, automation, and advanced systems in public service. It showcases how civil defence in Abu Dhabi is no longer reactive but proactively tech-enabled, with real-time data and unmanned systems taking centre stage.
Global Debut at Expo 2025 Japan
What better platform to launch a pioneering innovation than Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan? With global attention on sustainable development and technological transformation, the UAE Pavilion served as the perfect setting for Suhail’s debut.
The demonstration at the Expo wasn’t just for show. It marked the UAE’s official positioning as a leader in intelligent civil safety — not just regionally, but globally. It drew admiration from international safety experts, emergency planners, and even aerospace engineers for pushing boundaries where few have dared.
Leadership that Drives Innovation
The success of such a forward-thinking project stems from a leadership culture rooted in resilience and foresight. Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority’s ambition is deeply aligned with the country’s wider vision — one often reflected in the President of the United Arab Emirates news, where updates frequently highlight the nation’s efforts to integrate advanced technology in public service and emergency response.
Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has prioritised investments in artificial intelligence, robotics, and safety technologies as cornerstones of its future-proofing strategy. Initiatives like Suhail are clear expressions of this leadership in action.
Civil Defence Abu Dhabi: A Future-Ready Force
The launch of Suhail is only one piece of a broader transformation taking place within Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority. The agency has been steadily upgrading its infrastructure with:
- AI-powered emergency control centres
- Integrated home safety systems like “Hassantuk for Homes”
- Smart helmets for firefighters with thermal and gas sensors
- Drone surveillance units for early detection in industrial zones
By building such a comprehensive and connected ecosystem, the UAE is effectively redefining what it means to respond to emergencies in the 21st century.
A Model for Global Cities
From Tokyo to Toronto, cities around the world face challenges in responding to urban fires, high-rise incidents, and climate-related disasters. The launch of Suhail offers a real-world case study in how smart machines can enhance human effort, not replace it.
By sharing its knowledge, expertise, and technologies, the UAE is also becoming a partner in global safety. There is already speculation that several countries have shown interest in learning more about Suhail’s deployment potential for urban and industrial fire scenarios.
Final Thoughts: Safety is the New Innovation
Suhail isn’t just a drone. It’s a flying ambassador for innovation, and a declaration that the UAE is not content with following safety trends — it wants to set them.
With Suhail in the skies and a clear vision guiding the ground operations, Abu Dhabi is not only making cities safer — it’s showing the world what responsible, future-focused leadership really looks like.