Dubai Police showcases gender diversity and maritime security by putting female lifeguards into action with a total of 45 rescue team members dedicated to the Al Gaffal Dhow Race. This important progress emerged throughout the 34th edition of the yearly commemoration which honors United Arab Emirates maritime traditions.
The event took place under the support of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who currently serves as Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council while his forces observed traditional dhows sail from Sir Bu Nair Island to Dubai’s coast throughout a voyage exceeding 50 nautical miles to honor the UAE’s maritime heritage.
The 34th edition of the race introduced its first-ever participation of nine women lifeguards who broke barriers in the historically male-controlled marine rescue sector. The broad objective of Dubai Police focuses on female empowerment for every operational area hence specialized positions like boat handling, diving and search and rescue are now open to women.
The team deployment throughout the race course aimed to maintain immediate response readiness according to Colonel Ali Abdullah Al Naqbi who served as Supervisor of Command and Control for the competition and Deputy Director of Ports Police Station. Our organization continues to prioritize both gender equality along with increased preparedness by adding female lifeguards to our team.
Every year the Al Gaffal Dhow Race receives considerable public admiration as one of the UAE’s most prestigious sporting events. Female personnel with the rescue team provide enhanced capabilities and showcase the country’s forward-thinking policy about women’s duties in national service and emergency response.
Dubai Police ensured all maritime rescue teams remained ready while keeping continuous contact which enabled them to handle any emergency situations to protect participants alongside their support staff.
When traditional dhows sail their long transit toward Dubai these modern rescue professionals enhanced the symbolism through which the UAE merges the new world with traditional customs and broad inclusion policies.