Behind the scenes: A day with Dubai Police's all-women rescue team

The group of eighteen officers formally graduated in September

The UAE’s first land rescue team comprising only female officers is ready for critical search and rescue operations, both domestically and internationally.

From extricating people trapped in vehicles to rescuing people stuck in lifts or stranded on mountains, the Dubai Police all-female land rescue team is ready to assist.

The team of 18 non-commissioned officers graduated in September after a rigorous three-month training course. This week, The National was granted exclusive access to watch them in action at the Dubai Police Search and Rescue Department near Silicon Oasis.

“Our job is to save people’s lives. There is no time for fear as one second can make the difference between life and death,” First Corporal Marwa Mosa told The National.

The 25-year-old Emirati was holding a hydraulic cutter, which would be used to open the door of a damaged car to free an injured driver.

“I know it is a hard job but saving people's lives make me happy. Emirati women can be in any job or apply for any duty. I had a passion to join Dubai Police and work in the field," she said.

"After six months in the Dubai Police academy, officers picked me to be part of the female team. I was thrilled and accepted immediately. My parents supported my decision to join the team. I can’t wait to perform my first rescue operation.”

An all-women team are part of the Dubai Police rescue department. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National

The team recently carried out an exercise where they had to abseil

The team took part in a host of training exercises

A door was removed from a car to allow the team to practice how they would respond to a car accident

A member of the team takes part in a scenario where a baby is stuck in a car

The team were training to respond to emergencies they may face as part of the Dubai Police

A member practices from the best way to help a person trapped under rubble.

Latifa Al Maqbali breaks through a door as part of her training

Team members prepare to abseil

A team member prepares rescue equipment as part of the drill

Several scenarios were conducted as part of training

The team are part of the Dubai Police

The hands of First Corporal Nawal Al Abdullah were bruised because of the difficult training, but she loves what her job entails.

“We had many training courses in the last three months. We feel that we are ready to go and save people's lives,” the 21-year-old Emirati said.

“The main challenge was carrying the heavy equipment such as the hydraulic cutter or to work in harsh weather, but we know that and trust in our skills and capabilities.”

First Corporal Azza Al Attar, 23, was on top of a training tower preparing to simulate a rescue scenario in a mountain setting. With confident and smooth steps, she climbed down after taking necessary safety measures.

“Training is incredibly important for successful search and rescue teams. It means life or death in some situations. When it comes to rope rescue techniques, we must know the safety protocols to ensure both the safety of the victim and us,” Ms Al Attar said.

The team had to take part in abseiling exercises as part of the training. Chris Whiteoak / The National

First Corporal Latifa Al Maqbali has to juggle work with looking after her young daughter.

“Being a mother and part of a rescue team is a challenge I’m accepting. I wanted to be part of the force and have what it takes to succeed both as a mother and rescue member,” the 35 year old said. “It’s our duty to serve the UAE in any field or mission. Saving people motivates me. It is a satisfying feeling.”

Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, praised the all-women team for their achievements.

“Emirati women play a crucial role in our nation's development, and we are proud to have this pioneering team ready to work alongside their male counterparts," he said.

Official figures from Dubai Police showed the search and rescue department responded to 162 emergency calls this year for people trapped in lifts, houses and children locked in cars. They also responded to 82 serious traffic accidents where people were trapped inside their vehicles.