Watch: Dubai Police's first women's land rescue team in 53 years
Breaking stereotypes, these 16 women respond to the most crtical of emergencies
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Dubai: In a groundbreaking initiative, the Dubai Police has established the first all-female land rescue team, comprising 16 non-commissioned, dedicated female officers who are breaking barriers in emergency services. This innovative unit is not only a testament to the capabilities of Emirati women but also aims to enhance the representation of women in roles traditionally dominated by men.
The department has welcomed its very first female land rescue teams in 53 years. The team comprises 16 women who will take on roles usually reserved for men. The group is believed to be a first in the UAE and the Middle East.
The Women’s Land Rescue Team was formed to address the specific needs of women and children in emergency situations. Female rescuers can provide comfort and support to female victims, ensuring a more empathetic approach during crises. The team is trained to handle a wide range of incidents, including road accidents, fires, and search and rescue operations, making them a vital asset to the community.
The new members told Gulf News that their passion to help others encouraged them to join the Dubai Police Transport Rescue Department, and they are hoping to inspire other young girls and women to break the stereotypes.
Hamda, one member of the team, said, “The work that men do, we can do it too, and more.”
Before joining the team, members underwent rigorous training at the police academy for six months, which included military and rescue drills, physical fitness, and specialised rescue techniques. They graduated in September 2024. The training prepared them for the physical and emotional challenges they would face in the field. Following their academy training, the women participated in hands-on training that focused on real-life scenarios, ensuring they were well-equipped to respond effectively to emergencies.
Gulf News gained exclusive access to observe them in action at the Dubai Police Transport and Rescue Department.
The training included courses in climbing and rappelling. They also trained in using equipment such as cutters and hydraulic spreaders, that is stored in their patrol car. All of the women on the team have driving licences and are trained to drive quickly. They aim for a response time of seven minutes or less. They were also trained on basic first aid and medical skills stabilise victims until paramedics arrive.
The team has quickly gained recognition for their impressive response times, often arriving at the scene of emergencies faster than their male counterparts. Their target response time is seven minutes, a goal they strive to improve continuously. They also sometimes use cameras worn by their male colleagues to record and transmit operations when the men are busy. This efficiency is attributed to their strong communication, teamwork, and the use of specially equipped patrol cars that contain all necessary rescue gear.
The women respond to a variety of emergencies, including traffic accidents where they need to extract people trapped in vehicles and respond to vehicle fires. They also respond to calls to open locked cars and homes. The women also respond to calls to address locked elevators.
They operate specially equipped patrol cars filled with necessary gear, driven by team members trained in emergency driving techniques. Authorized to use the emergency lane, they can bypass traffic congestion. Sirens and flashing lights alert other drivers, who usually clear a path for them. Their goal is to reach accident scenes within seven minutes, and they are skilled at navigating through traffic.
They collaborate with other emergency services, such as ambulances and Civil Defence departments, to ensure the scene is safe and victims receive optimal care.
They also assist men with their work when needed. When there is a fire, the women’s team goes out with the Civil Defence team. They note that multiple agencies may be present at a scene, such as when there is an oil spill, and they coordinate with each other to manage the situation.
At the beginning of their training, the recruits experienced mixed feelings about their new roles. One of the team members expressed initial hesitation, saying, “I wasn’t very enthusiastic at first, but I ended up liking it a lot.” Another noted that the team was surprised by what lay ahead but found the training interesting. Encountering unfamiliar and potentially traumatic situations, like seeing blood and dead bodies for the first time, caused some distress, affecting their sleep and emotional well-being.
"However, encouragement from family and colleagues emphasised the importance of their work and the need for resilience. Gradually, through training and hands-on experience, the women overcame their initial fears and grew more confident. They discovered a sense of empowerment and boldness they hadn’t previously possessed. The job’s demands, along with team support and camaraderie, fostered personal growth and pride in their contributions to public safety.
Corporal First Fatma said, ”Our mission is to save lives. Here, fear is irrelevant; every second can be the difference between life and death.
The job is challenging, but saving lives brings me joy. Emirati women can pursue any career, and my strong passion for joining Dubai Police led me to the academy. After six months, I was thrilled to be selected for the female team, and my parents, husband and brother fully supported my decision. My first rescue operation was to release an injuired man from wrecked overturned truck,”
Corporal First Hamda said “We’ve undergone many training courses ssince we jloined the acadmey on December 5, 2024 and we are ready to save lives. The main challenges include carrying heavy equipment like the hydraulic cutter and working in harsh conditions, but we trust our skills and capabilities.”
Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, commended the all-women team for their accomplishments. “Emirati women are vital to our nation’s development, and we take pride in having this pioneering team prepared to collaborate with their male colleagues,” he stated.
What types of incidents does the Women’s Land Rescue Team respond to?
Road accidents, particularly those involving trapped individuals.
Fires, especially vehicle fires.
Locked doors in homes and vehicles.
Search and rescue operations for missing persons.
Providing assistance during crises and disasters.
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