The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) will use smart technologies to protect newborns at hospitals across the emirate.

Hospitals will put electronic tags on ankles of babies that will alert their mothers and the hospital staff if someone attempts to move the baby without authorisation.

They will also use another smart technology that will help monitor oxygen levels in the baby’s blood and will alert the mother and staff if it drops below normal.

“Mothers and childcare are pivotal targets of the authority’s 2016-2017 strategy. We plan to implement a number of programmes, with the goal of benefitting mothers and children in all DHA facilities,” said Humaid Al Qatami, director general, DHA.