Female officers of Dubai Police’s VIP Protection Unit ready for action

The 17 highly-trained officers are part of a 120-strong department that specialises in protecting high value individuals, and often work as outriders to escort a dignitary’s motorcade or shadowing them closely on foot.

Sgt Marwa Ali, of the Dubai Police VIP protection unit. “These women have really made their presence clear.” Reem Mohammed / The National

DUBAI // They are highly trained, armed and ready to keep the royal, rich and famous out of harm’s way.

The 17 female officers from the Dubai Police VIP protection unit have broken ground in an area traditionally dominated by men, and perform the same duties as their 100 male colleagues.

They often work as outriders to escort dignitaries’ motorcades, or shadow them on foot.

“Men and women at the unit have the same training, and these women have really made their presence clear,” said Lt Col Obaid bin Yaroof.

“The women are trained to ride motorcycles and at the same time be aware of their surroundings to protect the person.

“They accompany the person on foot and surround their vehicle when on the move.”

Marwa Abdel Rahman, 25, had to overcome her parents’ disapproval of her choice of career.

“I had wanted to join Dubai Police since I was in high school, but I received a scholarship to a university abroad and my parents were not convinced I should join the force, even though my mother was a police officer,” Ms Abdel Rahman said. “They were finally convinced and I am happy to serve my country, while still studying at a local university.”

Lt Col bin Yaroof said the officers often protected high-ranking officials such as female politicians and their families, who were more comfortable with female security.

“Two of the most recent missions were to accompany and guard the wives of the Malaysian prime minister and Brunei’s foreign minister,” he said.

Even though Dubai has a reputation as being safe for visitors of any social standing, the officers provide an essential service.

“We are very fortunate that the Emirates is a safe and secure country, even the Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, walks around without security,” said Lt Col bin Yaroof.

“But it is our duty to make people feel safe and provide them with security when they request it.”

Hoda Al Tahiri, 26, said the job took a great deal of time and dedication, but was worth it for the gratifying feeling at the end of the day.

“Like any job, there are obstacles and fear in the beginning, but as time goes by that starts to dissipate,” she said.

“Learning to multi-task is very important because you not only have to have full control over the motorcycle you are on, but also of the situation around you.

“No matter what mission we’re on, the scenery might change but protocol is more or less the same.”

Shayma Abdel Kareem, 23, is a police officer by day and a student and mother by night.

“I usually work from 6am until about noon, after which I attend the University of Sharjah where I’m studying to be a lawyer,” Ms Abdel Kareem said.

“Then I get home and spend time with my children, a girl and a boy, who are usually with my mother-in-law.

“If I don’t have studying of my own, then I help my children with their homework or take them to the park for a change of scenery.”

Fatima Shahdad, 31, said organising her time was important because the officers could be called on duty at short notice.

“You have to make sure you make time for everything, especially in this field in which you can be called on duty almost any time,” she said.

“Being single can make it a little easier. However, joining the VIP protection unit has really given me an opportunity to grow and learn.

“My goal is to keep learning and to keep pushing to, God willing, reach higher and higher positions in the police force.”