Meet Dubai's trailblazing female underwater explosives specialist

Supplied

Sergeant Khulood Al Marri has become Dubai Police's first qualified female officer to handle explosives underwater.

Sgt. Al Marri's role involves securing explosives or hazardous devices under any water surface.

She has also been trained to utilise Artificial Intelligence-powered technologies to facilitate her missions and reduce potential risks.

As a member of the security inspections and explosives diffusers team at the General Department of Organisations Protective Security and Emergency, Sgt. Al Marri has undergone a six-month practical training to acquire the necessary skills to conduct a thorough inspection at various locations, detect suspicious items, and defuse and dispose of explosive hazards.

"I'm grateful to have a job that never ceases to motivate me with new challenges," said the officer with 16 years of experience.

"Dubai Police has created a motivating environment for the youth in general and women, in particular, to ensure we strive for nothing but excellence," she added.

Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Acting Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs, said that Dubai Police was proud of its remarkable cadre who shine and excel in all fields.

"The female personnel are no exception. They play a significant role in ensuring safety and security for all and proactively take on missions and duties that were in the past exclusively carried out by their male counterparts," he explained.

Meanwhile, Colonel Hisham Al Suwaidi, Director of the Explosives Security Department, said that Sgt. Al Marri was part of the first female batch to be professionally trained in 2020 on conducting security inspections.

"She, afterwards, enrolled in advanced diving courses and joined the underwater explosives team, who is responsible for disarming, rendering safe, and disposing of explosive hazards," he added.

More from UAE

  • Dubai Municipality initiates pest control strategies following storms

    Dubai Municipality has intensified its efforts to control pests that endanger public health through comprehensive strategies and programs, such as chemical, physical, and biological control methods, with a focus on curbing the spread of mosquitoes.

  • H.H. Sheikh Mohammed hails UAE Armed Forces milestone

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai said that the decision to unify the Armed Forces on May 6 1976, was a pivotal moment in the history of the UAE as the nation celebrates its 48th Armed Forces Unification Day.

  • Four Dubai Metro stations remain closed following storms

    Four Dubai Metro stations remain closed following extreme weather conditions the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed. Passengers are being urged to check for regular updates to the public transport network.

  • Ajman records tourism growth in 2024

    Ajman witnessed a seven per cent increase in tourism revenue in the first quarter of 2024, driven by a three per cent rise in occupancy rates and a nine per cent growth in visitor numbers compared to the same period in 2023.