dnata and Dubai Police launch smart cargo screening centre at DXB
New centralised control room allows remote cargo screening, improving efficiency and security at dnata’s DXB facility
dnata has unveiled a new centralised smart cargo screening control room at its Dubai International Airport (DXB) cargo facility, developed in partnership with Dubai Police, allowing authorities to remotely manage cargo screening operations from a single location.
The new facility enables Dubai Police officers to operate and monitor six X-ray screening machines across dnata’s warehouse through a high-tech command centre. The machines are connected to One Cargo, dnata’s digital cargo management system, allowing real-time data sharing, streamlined workflows and quicker decision-making.
According to dnata, the project supports its ongoing digital transformation of air cargo operations by combining automation with enhanced security oversight. Guillaume Crozier, dnata’s Chief Cargo Officer, said the initiative strengthens security while improving efficiency through close collaboration with Dubai Police.
Previously, cargo screening was carried out at multiple points within the warehouse, which required more resources and reduced efficiency. By consolidating all screening activities into a single hub, dnata said screening times have been reduced and throughput has improved by around three per cent a year.
dnata serves more than 120 airline customers and handles an average of 60,000 tonnes of cargo each month at its DXB facility. Between April 2024 and March 2025, the company processed more than one million tonnes of cargo across its DXB and Dubai World Central operations, marking its highest annual volume and representing year-on-year growth of around 30 per cent.
The company said the rise in volumes reflects wider growth in Dubai’s logistics sector, driven by increasing e-commerce activity, a growing regional consumer base and Dubai’s role as a global transit hub.
dnata added that the new system reduces manual handling, supports advanced analytics and optimises resource use, helping to limit unnecessary cargo movement and fuel consumption within the facility.
The centralised screening control room was jointly designed by dnata and Dubai Police to support both primary and secondary command functions. It features advanced monitoring systems, live imaging and automated reporting tools to ensure traceability throughout the screening process.
The project forms part of dnata’s broader innovation strategy for cargo operations. At its Dubai facilities, the company is exploring the use of autonomous mobile robots to move shipments within warehouses and is testing automated dimensioning and load-optimisation tools to improve space use and planning accuracy.
