Rare photos and artefacts trace the 70-year journey of Dubai Police

Uniforms, faded letters, vintage photographs, and the faint sound of a marching anthem filled the space as Dubai Police unveiled a makeshift museum at their booth at the International Council of Museums (ICOM).

- Waad Barakat

(Left) Old Dubai Police Uniform and (centre) current Dubai Police Uniform and (right) the first video-call phone (Sony-made) that entered service in Dubai Police in 2000.

The exhibition steps back in time and takes visitors on a historic journey, telling a story that spans nearly seven decades, from the emirate's first police force in 1956 to today's globally recognised institution.

The exhibition, part of the world's largest gathering of museum professionals, runs until November 17 at Dubai World Trade Centre. It marks the first time that the International Council of Museums (ICOM) has brought its general conference to the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

The display opens with a simple yet powerful image, the old Dubai Police uniform, a khaki shirt paired with a red-and-white ghutra and rope agal, framed neatly under warm lights. Next to it hangs the current ceremonial uniform, its design more structured, its insignia polished gold. Together, they trace nearly seven decades of service and discipline.