Dubai: Dubai has brought together 61 specialists from nine GCC and Arab countries for an advanced programme designed to strengthen regional capabilities against human trafficking as criminal methods increasingly evolve through technology, artificial intelligence and cross border networks.

The 12th Human Trafficking Specialist Programme is organised by Dubai Police in cooperation with the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCHT), Dubai Judicial Institute and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for the Gulf Cooperation Council region.

The programme goes beyond traditional training, bringing together expertise in law enforcement, justice, human rights and victim protection while introducing participants to emerging challenges including artificial intelligence, financial technology, digital transformation and data management.

A Crime Changing with Technology

Judge Abdulrahman Murad Al Balooshi, Vice Chairman of NCCHT and Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice, said the programme’s continuation for more than 10 years reflects the UAE’s commitment to developing specialised national and international expertise and strengthening cooperation and knowledge exchange between countries.

He warned that human trafficking remains a transnational crime whose methods are changing rapidly.

“Perpetrators are exploiting modern technology and artificial intelligence to conceal their identities and control victims,” he said.

He stressed the need for sustainable programmes that keep specialists informed about emerging criminal methods, strengthen their capabilities and improve the effectiveness of efforts to identify crimes, pursue perpetrators and protect victims.

From Graduates to Leaders and Policy Makers

Over the years, the programme has developed into a platform for building a wider network of human trafficking specialists.

Judge Al Balooshi said graduates now work across different parts of the UAE’s national anti-trafficking system, including specialised investigation teams at public prosecution offices and judicial departments handling human trafficking cases.

Graduates have also contributed to the UAE’s smart referral system for victims, supporting knowledge exchange between specialised teams and strengthening mechanisms for victim protection.

A Regional Response to a Cross Border Crime

Major General Saif bin Abed, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Excellence and Pioneering Affairs at Dubai Police, said reaching the programme’s 12th edition reflects an established institutional approach to developing specialists capable of responding professionally to human trafficking at regional and international levels.

He said the evolving nature of the crime, including the use of modern technologies and cross border networks, requires specialists with legal, security and human rights knowledge, supported by the practical skills needed for early detection and effective response.

The participation of specialists from nine Gulf and Arab countries, he added, creates an important regional dimension by allowing participants to exchange experience and successful practices.

He stressed that cooperation between Dubai Police and the national and international organisations behind the programme demonstrates the importance of combining efforts across prevention, protection and prosecution while safeguarding human dignity and rights.

Twelve Years of Sustainable Impact

Dr Muhannad Fayez Dweikat, Regional Coordinator at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, highlighted the programme’s 12 year partnership and its lasting impact.

He said many graduates have progressed to become leaders, policy makers and practitioners in their countries, contributing to the development of national and regional policies and practices against human trafficking.

A number of trainers participating today are themselves among the programme’s early graduates. After continuing their professional development through training programmes for trainers, they now transfer their expertise to colleagues and build capacity within their institutions, countries and the wider region.

This, he said, demonstrates how knowledge developed through the programme is being transferred from one generation of specialists to the next.

AI, Financial Technology and Digital Transformation

The latest edition introduces new areas reflecting the changing environment in which human trafficking crimes can occur.

Participants will examine artificial intelligence and its applications, financial technology, digital transformation and data management, alongside other emerging developments.

The objective is to provide a deeper understanding of evolving criminal patterns, anticipate future risks and introduce modern tools for prevention, detection, investigation, prosecution and victim protection.

Dr Dweikat said the initiative should therefore be viewed not simply as a training programme, but as a sustainable pathway for developing specialised knowledge, expertise and leadership while strengthening regional cooperation.

Putting Victims at the Centre

Brigadier Faisal Al Khumairi, Director of the General Department of Human Rights at Dubai Police, said effective responses to human trafficking require an integrated approach combining security, legal, human rights and humanitarian considerations.

Specialists must be able to recognise indicators of suspected trafficking, identify victims and conduct interviews professionally while taking their psychological and social circumstances into consideration.

They must also understand referral, protection and care mechanisms and coordinate effectively with relevant authorities to ensure victims’ rights and dignity are protected from the moment a case is identified.

Brigadier Al Khumairi said the participation of 61 specialists provides an important opportunity to exchange practical expertise, strengthen coordination and develop a shared understanding of emerging challenges.

Building Expertise Across Borders

The opening was attended by Judge Abdulrahman Murad Al Balooshi; Major General Saif bin Abed; Judge Dr Ebtisam Al Badwawi, Director General of Dubai Judicial Institute; Dr Muhannad Fayez Dweikat; Brigadier Faisal Al Khumairi; Brigadier Saeed Al Heli, Deputy Director of the General Department of Human Rights; as well as officers and programme participants.

Through its 12th edition, the programme aims to ensure that expertise evolves alongside the crime itself, strengthening the ability of specialists across the region to detect trafficking earlier, protect victims, pursue perpetrators and respond collectively to increasingly complex and technology driven threats.