Dubai: Dubai Police have launched its 'Summer of Innovation' programme, bringing together police personnel, university students, innovators and participants in innovation diploma programmes to foster a culture of creativity, future foresight and practical problem-solving.The initiative, organised by the Knowledge, Innovation and Development Centre at the General Department of Administrative Affairs, aims to enhance institutional excellence and support Dubai Police's future-readiness objectives.The event was inaugurated by Major General Dr Ahmad Zaal Bin Krishan Almheiri, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Financial and Administrative Affairs, in the presence of Major General Dr Saleh Abdullah Murad, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Administrative Affairs, senior officers and participants.Major General Dr Al Muhairi said innovation has evolved beyond being a development tool to become a strategic pillar that enables organisations to achieve excellence, sustainability and long-term competitiveness.He said Dubai Police continues to promote a workplace culture that encourages creativity, in line with the UAE's vision of building a more agile, forward-looking government capable of anticipating future challenges.Al Muhairi emphasised that investing in people remains the most valuable investment, noting that empowering employees and innovators to transform ideas into practical projects improves organisational performance, enhances services and contributes to better quality of life.He described innovative ideas as an important driver of positive change within the organisation and across the wider community.Integrated innovation ecosystemBrigadier Abdullah Jassim Al Zarooni, Director of the Knowledge, Innovation and Development Centre, said innovation has become deeply embedded within Dubai Police's institutional culture rather than existing as isolated initiatives.He explained that the centre has established a comprehensive innovation ecosystem that supports innovators from the earliest stages of idea generation through evaluation, incubation and implementation.This approach ensures that promising concepts are transformed into practical projects that enhance policing services and reinforce Dubai Police's position as a leader in adopting international best practices.The event began with a presentation highlighting Dubai's achievements in innovation, digital transformation and sustainability, as well as the emirate's future vision.Participants also attended a specialised cybersecurity workshop delivered by the Hosn team, which focused on emerging cyber threats, cyber awareness and preventive measures designed to help individuals and organisations safeguard themselves against digital risks.Innovation showcaseAn accompanying exhibition featured projects and solutions developed by Dubai Police innovators and university students, highlighting practical ideas aimed at improving workplace efficiency, enhancing services and supporting institutional performance.Participants were also introduced to successful innovation projects that have progressed from initial concepts to practical applications within Dubai Police.The programme further highlighted the Suggestions Programme within Dubai Police's Smart Employee app, one of the organisation's primary channels for receiving, developing and implementing employee ideas.The event concluded with recognition of speakers, partners, organisers and participants for their contributions.Dubai Police reaffirmed its commitment to organising further knowledge-sharing initiatives that support innovation, strengthen collaboration and advance its vision of a future-ready policing model.

Paris: French and British rescue teams have rescued 157 migrants attempting to cross the English Channel after the engine of their boat caught fire, forcing an emergency operation near the maritime border between France and the UK.According to French maritime authorities, the vessel's engine caught fire on Tuesday morning while it was in France's search-and-rescue zone close to British waters. The boat rapidly began to break apart, prompting a large-scale rescue response.French authorities deployed two rescue vessels, a French Navy helicopter and medical teams, while Britain's Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Border Force also joined the operation.Of the 157 people rescued, 103 were brought to safety by French vessels, while 54 were rescued by British teams.All those rescued were due to be taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer in northern France, where they would receive medical assessments and assistance.The vessel had departed from the Normandy coast on Monday and had been under surveillance by French rescue services during its journey.Authorities said that during the night, five people onboard required assistance and were transferred to Boulogne-sur-Mer, while the remaining passengers declined rescue assistance at that stage.French maritime officials noted that migrants travelling in overcrowded and often makeshift boats frequently refuse rescue unless there is an immediate threat to life. Rescuers generally avoid forcing passengers off vessels because such actions can increase the risk of capsizing.The incident comes amid continuing concerns over the dangers of Channel crossings. Last week, four people died in two separate attempts to reach the UK aboard small boats.Earlier this year, France and the UK signed a new multimillion-euro agreement aimed at reducing irregular crossings, including increased police patrols, enhanced surveillance and the deployment of new technologies targeting so-called "taxi boats" used by people-smuggling networks along northern France's coastline.The English Channel remains one of the world's busiest shipping routes and one of the most dangerous migration corridors in Europe.