Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid names new Dubai Police commander-in-chief

Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri was named Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on Wednesday.

Maj Gen Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri has been appointed commander-in-chief of Dubai Police. Courtesy Dubai Police

DUBAI // A new commander-in-chief of Dubai Police was announced on Wednesday by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.

“Maj Gen Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, an outstanding personality in terms of leadership and a high sense of security, will be an addition to national security leaders,” the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai said on Twitter.

Maj Gen Al Marri, 51, had been promoted from brigadier to major general on Tuesday. He succeeds Lt Gen Khamis Mattar Al Muzeina, who died of a heart attack on November last year at the age of 56.

Lt Gen Dhahi Khalfan, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security, commended the efforts of Maj Gen Al Marri, citing his high sense of duty.

Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, wished Maj Gen Al Marri success in his new assignment.

Maj Gen Al Marri pledged to live up to what he described as a big responsibility and the trust placed in him by the emirate’s leadership.

“I pledge to Allah and the wise leadership to be up to this responsibility and be a role model of exemplary leader, and to work hard and with dedication along with my colleagues at Dubai Police for the UAE’s security and safety and happiness of all people living in this country,” he said.

Maj Gen Al Marri thanked Sheikh Mohammed for his trust and said he would follow in the footsteps of Lt Gen Khalfan to make Dubai Police a role model emulated by police services worldwide.

He also paid tribute to Lt Gen Al Muzeina and the police officers who supported and encouraged him.

Maj Gen Al Marri has served in Dubai Police since 1991. He earned a bachelor’s degree that year in sociology from the UAE University College of Media and Communications, and in 1992, he earned a diploma in police science from Dubai Police Academy.

Dubai Police said he has received several accolades, badges of appreciation, and medals of honour for his bravery and outstanding performance. He was a member of the Dubai security escorts committee and served as coordinator general of Dubai events, along with other security and police assignments.

Maj Gen Al Marri is married with three children – one daughter and two sons – and led the Al Nasr sport club football team from 2006 to 2008. He was also vice chairman of Nad Al Sheba Shooting Championship in 2014, and is a member of the organising committee for this year’s Dubai Iron Man.