Latest news with #SheikhMohammed
Khaleej Times
19 hours ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
Formed before UAE: How Dubai Police went from fort base to police stations with no officers
Over 65 years back, in the sands of Naif, a fort watched over Dubai. Within its walls were the Dubai Police, keeping their eyes open while the city slept. On June 1, 1956, nearly 15 years before UAE was formed, the Dubai Police came into existence, with an aim to guard their land and its people. Now, 69 years later, times have changed, tools have changed, but the force continues to guard their land and its people. The force's first commander-in-chief was Peter Clayton, a British national who spoke fluent Arabic, and dressed in traditional Bedouin attire. Its first headquarter was the Naif Fort, made of two different types of clay. Dubai Police was founded following a decree issued by Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who was the son of then Dubai Ruler Saeed bin Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed went on to become the Ruler of Dubai in 1958, was a founder of UAE, and served as Vice President and Prime Minister of the Emirates. In 1973, their headquarters were shifted to Al Twar, which remains as the police HQ to this day. However, the force has held on to their heritage, with their first headquarters currently turned into the Naif Police Station in Deira. In the early 1990s, Sheikh Mohammed, the then Minister of Defence of the UAE, ordered the restoration of Naif Police Station. In July 1994, the process started, with the reconstruction of the entire building with the exception of the tower, which was subject to only minor external repairs. The tower was the first part of the fort to be built, and was called Al Makbad because it was partly used as a jail. Dubai has long had a love for horses, and the police forces were no different. Along with intelligence offices, live-in quarters, the fort also housed a special stable allocated for patrol horses. Now the fort is home to a Naif Museum, which displays life-size models and interactive exhibits showcasing the story of the Dubai authorities. While the word 'prisoners' brings to mind images of handcuffs, police officers once restrained detainees through a method called 'Al Hataba' in which the suspect's legs were fastened to a log. From its first operations out of a fort in 1956, the Dubai Police is now a sprawling establishment with a force of more than fifteen thousand employees and over 25 smart police stations. These smart stations function around the clock without human intervention, through AI-assisted services and interactive models. Now, customers can even access police help through drive-thrus. Tech now plays a major role in police operations, from sonic scanners capable of detecting signs of life beneath the rubble to rescue drones. Robots assist in field operations, reaching tight, hazardous stations that officers may be unable to traverse. Electro-car robots also patrol the streets, helping police keep an eye on communities 24/7. The authorities also constantly use AI to monitor potentially harmful social media posts that may convey danger to others, or reveal underlying implications about the user's condition. With the force introducing new tech by the minute, it has come a long way from a fort base, but the aim remains the same: policing and safety for all.
Reuters
3 days ago
- General
- Reuters
Turkish foreign minister discusses ceasefire efforts with Hamas, source says
ANKARA, May 30 (Reuters) - Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Thursday discussed the ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza in a phone call with officials from Palestinian militant group Hamas' political bureau, a Turkish diplomatic source said. The source added that Fidan also spoke by phone with Qatar's prime minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to discuss developments in Gaza and Syria, without providing further details.
Emirates 24/7
4 days ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Maktoum bin Mohammed chairs Dubai Judicial Council meeting, approves appointment of judicial inspectors
H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and Chairman of the Dubai Judicial Council, chaired a meeting of the Dubai Judicial Council as part of his regular follow-up on matters related to the judicial authority and its members, as well as the authority's strategic plans. During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Maktoum approved the appointment of several judicial inspectors within the Judicial Inspection Authority under its notified appointments plan for 2025, and in line with the Authority's growing role as a supervisory entity that supports the Dubai judiciary. H.H. Sheikh Maktoum also approved the enrolment of 14 judicial trainees into the Judicial and Legal Studies programme, part of Dubai Courts' initiative to induct qualified Emirati judges. Sheikh Maktoum approved a resolution on the secondment of judiciary members as part of efforts to help them enhance their qualifications and exposure to judicial best practices. The budget outlays for judicial appointments and promotions for 2026 were also approved during the meeting. He also reviewed results of the Community Confidence in Dubai Judicial System survey for 2024, which elicited feedback from diverse segments and sectors and mirrored an increase in public confidence to 86%. H.H. Sheikh Maktoum said, 'Under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai has established an advanced judicial system to meet future demand and ensure swift justice and the rule of law. The appointment of judicial inspectors, the development of secondment programmes for judiciary members, and the enrolment of judicial trainees in the Judicial and Legal Studies programme are all part of ongoing efforts to enhance the judicial system's efficiency and empower national talent.' The section of the survey that rated public satisfaction in terms of access to legal information showed that 92 percent of respondents were pleased with responses they received when interacting with judicial bodies. This data underscores the effectiveness of services offered by judicial departments and their digital channels in providing legal information, as these represent the public's preferred modes of accessing legal services. As for the role of judicial entities in upholding justice and protecting rights and freedoms, 87% of survey respondents affirmed that Dubai's judicial entities ensured respect for cultural diversity, while 89 percent acknowledged the efforts of these entities to ensure universal justice within the community. Furthermore, 90.41 percent of respondents affirmed the judiciary's role in safeguarding rights and freedoms, and 86 percent expressed the belief that reliable mechanisms are in place to audit the effectiveness of the judicial system. Among those surveyed, 87 percent stated that the judiciary treats all segments of society equally and impartially, reflecting high public confidence in Dubai's judicial system. Dr. Abdullah Saif Al Sabousi, Secretary-General of the Dubai Judicial Council, stated, 'The overall improvement reflected in the survey stems from several factors, most notably in the form of key legislative measures and the constant efforts exerted by the Judicial Council and other judicial entities to innovate, develop, and modernise projects aimed at enhancing the judicial system.' Dr. Al Sabousi emphasised the ongoing coordination among various judicial entities in Dubai, under the constant supervision and guidance of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum in his capacity as Chairman of the Judicial Council, to evaluate and further improve services provided by the judicial bodies in line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to showcase Dubai as a global model for swift and efficient justice. The meeting was attended by Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director-General of H.H. The Dubai Ruler's Court and Deputy Chairman of the Judicial Council; Counsellor Essam Issa Al Humaidan, Attorney General of Dubai; Judge Dr. Saif Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Director-General of Dubai Courts; Judge Dr. Abdulla Saif Al Sabousi, Secretary-General of the Judicial Council; and members of the Council. The Dubai Judicial Council strives to realise Dubai's vision for a robust and independent judiciary, fostering ethical conduct and ensuring the dignity, integrity, and competence of its members. Committed to upholding justice, equality, and the rule of law, the Council endeavours to support Dubai's sustainable development through a fair, impartial, modern, and effective judicial system. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Emirates 24/7
4 days ago
- General
- Emirates 24/7
Mohammed bin Rashid receives Shabab Al Ahli Football Club following four-trophy season
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, received Shabab Al Ahli football team at Zabeel Palace in recognition of their outstanding performance during the 2024–2025 sports season, in which they secured four titles. His Highness congratulated the players, technical and administrative staff, as well as board members on a season crowned with multiple achievements. The reception was attended by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai. His Highness said that the sports sector is essential to the UAE's development strategy, contributing to human progress and strengthening the country's position internationally. He emphasised that the leadership's continued support for the sector reflects a strong belief in sport to nurture role models, instil values, and shape a confident, ambitious generation. Sheikh Mohammed also reaffirmed the leadership's support for athletes and clubs to help them excel on the global stage. He stressed that sports clubs should serve as platforms for developing champions, both in term skill and character. Addressing the players, His Highness commended their determination and team spirit, noting that while reaching first place is a significant achievement, maintaining that position is the greater challenge. His Highness joined members of the team for a commemorative photo, encouraging them to sustain their high performance and expressing confidence in their ability to proudly represent the UAE in the upcoming competitions. The reception was also attended by Khalifa Saeed bin Sulaiman, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club. The Dubai-based team clinched 4 titles with a commanding performance throughout the season, including their ninth UAE Pro League championship, UAE President's Cup for the 11th time, the UAE Super Cup, and the UAE-Qatar Super Cup. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Arabian Business
4 days ago
- General
- Arabian Business
Dubai announces Eid Al Adha 2025 holiday
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has issued a circular announcing the Eid Al Adha holiday for the year 1446 Hijri. All government entities, departments, and institutions across Dubai will observe a public holiday from Arafat Day, Dhul Hijjah 9, 1446 AH (Thursday, June 5, 2025) until Dhul Hijjah 12, 1446 AH (Sunday, June 8, 2025). Official working hours will resume on Monday, June 9, 2025. Dubai Eid Al Adha holiday 2025 Entities, departments, and institutions with employees working on shift-based schedules or involved in public services or essential facilities management are exempt from the holidays. These entities can set work schedules for the exempt employees based on their specific operational needs to maintain uninterrupted public service delivery. In light of this auspicious occasion, DGHR extends its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; their brothers, the members of the Supreme Council and the Rulers of the Emirates, and to the people of the UAE and all its residents.
