Death of eighth-ever Dubai Police recruit marks end of era for the force

Dubai Police announced the passing of Major General Khalifa bin Dha’en Al Muhairi on Thursday, 22 October, mourning a foundational figure who joined the force as its eighth recruit nearly seven decades ago. Al Muhairi, who enlisted at the age of 15 in 1956, was one of the first officers to serve in the department following its formal establishment. Early service and career progression Al Muhairi began his law enforcement career earning less than 90 rupees per month. During his tenure, he served under the force’s first three foreign commanders before transitioning to serve under Emirati leadership. His career spanned the evolution of Dubai Police from a nascent local unit into a globally recognized security institution. His professional history included senior roles at several key locations, most notably serving as the head of the Nad Al Sheba Police Station. He also held posts at the Zabeel Police Post and was instrumental in the early development of the force’s administrative and operational structures. Legacy of pioneering officers The late Major General belonged to a specific cohort of officers credited with building the national workforce of the Dubai Police. His contemporaries included prominent figures such as Khalifa Juma Al Nabooda, Issa Abdullah Bu Jumaid, and Mohammed Ali Abu Frousha, known as “Bin Kalli,” along with Ali Hassan and Ahmed Mohammed Yousuf. His death has prompted official tributes from Dubai’s leadership. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al…