Smile, you’re on trashcam: Dubai pilots AI smart system to monitor waste violations

Dubai Municipality has begun implementing a pilot phase of a smart camera system under its “Smart Waste Management” framework, aimed at improving public cleanliness monitoring and accelerating responses to violations across the emirate.

The system uses artificial intelligence technologies and real-time data analysis to strengthen oversight and enforcement, supporting Dubai’s wider smart city and digital transformation ambitions.

As part of the pilot phase, Dubai Municipality has installed smart cameras on a number of waste collection and transportation vehicles.

The initiative is designed to monitor cleanliness levels on roads and in residential areas, while also identifying locations of illegal waste dumping near waste containers, sidewalks and public squares.

Captured images are analysed instantly and displayed on interactive digital dashboards, enabling field teams to take swift corrective action.

Dubai Municipality AI smart cameras

The system monitors a range of negative behaviours, most notably littering in public places, which carries a fine of up to AED500 ($136). It also targets the improper disposal of furniture and bulky waste, along with other practices that harm the city’s appearance and contribute to waste accumulation.

Engineer Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, said the project forms part of a broader strategic approach to enhance the effectiveness of monitoring systems, support data-driven decision-making and develop sustainable policies that improve the urban environment.

He added that the outcomes of the pilot phase will be evaluated before any wider rollout of the system.

Engineer Adel Al Marzouqi, Executive Director of the Waste and Sewerage Agency, said the smart camera system helps document violations accurately and speeds up corrective measures, while ensuring community privacy is protected in line with Dubai’s smart city objectives.

Sustainability goals

The project supports Dubai Municipality’s efforts to implement the Dubai Integrated Waste Management Strategy 2041, which aims to enhance the sustainability of public cleanliness, improve quality of life and reinforce Dubai’s position as a leading global city for sustainability and innovation.