Abu Dhabi, concerned over rising national security threats, has announced to install state-of-the-art surveillance towers in the city that would cost it to more than $120m. Efforts are being made for making the towers operational by the starting of next year.

The towers equipped with radar-enabled cameras would be imported from US and connected to the central communication system using the extensive network of the Critical National Infrastructure Authority (CNIA).

CNIA's director of operations, Col Ishaq Al Beshir told, "CNIA always seeks out the most innovative and effective techniques and equipment in order to fulfill its mission of protecting Abu Dhabi's critical infrastructure assets."

Beshir said that the exact location and number of cameras to be installed is yet to be decided by the department but he added that the towers would be a critical part of the infrastructure of Abu Dhabi.

Further, a system of thermal-imaging cameras is also scheduled to be installed along the coast line for foiling any security threat. Some existing units would be replaced for ensuring full proof security arrangement in the nation.