The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority (ADCDA), in partnership with K2, has launched RAAD, its multi-mission smart vehicle, during its participation in GITEX Global 2025, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This launch marks a significant step in enhancing the readiness of the emergency response system and reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s position as a leader in innovation and advanced technologies.
RAAD serves as an integrated mobile field platform that combines artificial intelligence, robotics, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) within a unified command-and-control system, the first of its kind in the region.
This initiative aligns with the ADCDA’s strategic direction to leverage technology and innovation to boost emergency response efficiency and advance field command and control capabilities, in line with Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, which aims to build a safe and sustainable society.
His Excellency Brigadier General Salem Abdullah bin Barak Al Dhaheri, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, said: “The launch of the RAAD vehicle represents a strategic leap in Civil Defence’s operational capabilities. It reflects our commitment to adopting cutting-edge technological solutions that support rescue and firefighting missions, enhance response efficiency, and reduce risks to firefighters, thereby strengthening community safety and protecting lives and property.
“Through this innovation, the authority seeks to integrate artificial intelligence, drones, and robotics into one system that enables faster risk assessment and strengthens on-site coordination between various entities during emergencies.”
Sean Tew, General Manager of K2, said: “We are proud to partner with Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority in developing and launching the RAAD vehicle, which exemplifies the integration of AI and autonomous systems in serving communities. This platform demonstrates how Emirati technology empowers government entities with advanced tools that accelerate response times, enhance safety, and solidify Abu Dhabi’s status as a regional hub for innovation and future technologies.”
The RAAD vehicle features a 4×4 drive system capable of operating in rugged terrains, offering real-time supervision of operations during crises through an intelligent command and control platform that enables field team management, resource allocation, and precise monitoring of firefighting and rescue missions.
It also includes two drone containers equipped with fire-suppression materials capable of containing fires at their early stages, in addition to a quadruped robot that can navigate hazardous or confined environments to perform inspection and reconnaissance before field teams enter.
The vehicle is powered by advanced AI systems running on NVIDIA Orin processors, which process sensor and thermal-imaging data to provide the command center with real-time information for informed decision-making during emergencies. It also features an integrated network communication system connecting it to drones and operations rooms via a secure network that enables live video and data streaming.
This initiative embodies the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority’s vision to enhance the efficiency of emergency response systems, strengthen the readiness of its field teams, and establish Abu Dhabi as a global model for digital transformation in civil protection — harnessing technology in the service of humanity.
