Dubai Police rescue lost hiker after two-day search operation in Hatta mountains

Specialised teams overcome challenging terrain during the emergency response

Dubai Police
Caption: Dubai Police rescue an Arab national lost in Hatta mountains after a two-day operation involving specialised teams, air support and advanced rescue equipment.
Source: Dubai Police


DUBAI – Police in Dubai have rescued an Arab national who became lost in the Hatta mountain range following a major search and rescue operation involving multiple specialised units and emergency response teams.

The operation was carried out by Hatta Police Station after receiving a distress report from the stranded hiker requesting assistance. The rescue mission involved ground teams, air support units and medical responders working across difficult mountain terrain to locate and assist him.

Brigadier Mubarak Al Ketbi, Director of Hatta Police Station, said the Command-and-Control Centre at the General Department of Operations received the report last Saturday. Following the alert, Dubai Police immediately mobilised specialised teams to begin the search, with rescuers working through challenging conditions until the missing man was located after two days.

Rescue mission

The operation involved the “Brave Team”, reconnaissance and rescue units, Hatta Police patrols, the National Ambulance air unit, Dubai Police Air Wing, the Difficult Missions Team from the General Department of Transport and Rescue, National Guard patrols, and paramedics from the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services.

Brigadier Al Ketbi explained that the rescue teams faced several difficulties during the mission, including an inaccurate location provided in the initial report, steep mountain elevations, rugged landscapes and the challenging nature of the area. Despite these obstacles, the teams continued the search using their specialised training and experience before reaching the stranded hiker and providing the required medical assistance.

The rescue highlights the operational readiness of Dubai Police units responsible for handling emergencies in mountainous areas, valleys and remote locations across Hatta, a region known for attracting visitors with its mountains, wadis and dams.

Special equipment

Hatta Police operate specially equipped patrol vehicles designed to navigate difficult terrain and support emergency operations. These vehicles are fitted with specialised tyres, smart technologies, advanced communication systems connected to the Command-and-Control Centre, and rescue equipment needed for different scenarios.

Officers assigned to these patrols undergo specialised training to respond to mountain emergencies and other challenging situations at any time. The teams are prepared to deal with incidents involving lost visitors, difficult access routes and remote locations.

The Brave Team, which regularly carries out rescue missions and provides security support during events, maintains constant readiness through advanced equipment and technology. Its resources include mechanical rescue tools, modified mountain vehicles, LED searchlights, heavy machinery, TETRA communication systems, cameras, live-streaming technology connecting field operations with the Command-and-Control Centre, modified motorcycles including quad bikes, and drones equipped with thermal imaging for night searches and cameras for daytime operations.

Public advisory

Brigadier Al Ketbi urged residents and visitors to immediately contact Dubai Police through the emergency number 999 or use the SOS service available on the Dubai Police smart application when facing emergencies in mountains or valleys.

He stressed that providing accurate location details can significantly support faster response times and help rescue teams reach people in need more efficiently. Visitors were also advised to remain on designated routes and avoid leaving marked trails while exploring mountainous areas.