{
  "id": 16068719,
  "title": "Sharjah tests AI-powered fire-detection system using thermal cameras and drones",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/sharjah-tests-ai-powered-fire-detection-system-using-thermal-cameras-16068719",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-22T15:44:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/10/22/sharjah-tests-ai-powered-fire-detection-system-using-thermal-cameras-and-drones/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sharjah is piloting an AI-powered system that utilizes thermal cameras and drones to determine if a fire has triggered an alarm before dispatching emergency crews. Developed by Saned, a facility management company, in collaboration with the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, the Aman system aims to minimize unnecessary calls and expedite responses to industrial fires. The technology is being piloted in open spaces and warehouses, with future expansion in mind. At an event attended by The National, a demonstration showcased setting fire to a container and a damaged car, followed by a drone flying overhead to verify the incident and relay data to the command center. Hamed Al Zarouni, director of Saned, explained that the system is designed to monitor commercial and industrial areas, aiming to identify incidents more swiftly, accelerate response times, and enhance warehouse safety. Thermal cameras can detect flames, smoke, and abrupt temperature spikes, while drones can reach areas lacking camera coverage to investigate suspected incidents and relay details. The drone's battery lasts up to an hour, covers distances of up to 20 kilometers, and transmits data via 5G connectivity, enabling remote assessments. Aman has been operational since 2018, developed by Saned, and overseen by the relevant authority. The demonstration highlighted that roughly 13,700 buildings are connected to the technology and monitored continuously, with the system detecting and reporting 500 fire incidents based on verification. Brig Khalid Al Sharji of the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority emphasized that the tests are aimed at leveraging advanced technology to enhance responses to fire reports, particularly in industrial settings. He noted that sometimes alarms are unclear, leading to firefighters being deployed with fire engines, only to find no fire, which wastes time and resources. Using drones to capture images and transmit them to the command center allows authorities to validate reports before dispatching emergency teams. The technology proves particularly beneficial in warehouses and industrial sites where large quantities of stored goods, including flammable materials, elevate the risk of fire. Brig Al Sharji added that Aman already offers monitoring and coverage in residential areas. The trials will evaluate how effectively the technology can detect and confirm fires in complex industrial environments, where timely identification is crucial to minimizing damage and safeguarding workers.",
  "summary": "Sharjah is testing an AI-powered system that uses thermal cameras and drones to verify whether a fire has triggered an alarm before emergency crews are sent to the scene. The aim of the Aman system, developed by facility management company Saned in collaboration with Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, is to reduce unnecessary call-outs and speed up responses to industrial fires. The technology is…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}