Khulood Al Marri poses for a photograph at a pier in Dubai.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

With 16 years of outstanding performance and long-list expertise in her speciality field, Sergeant Khulood Al Marri has become Dubai Police's first qualified female officer to handle explosives underwater.

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.

In addition, Sgt. Al Marri has been trained to utilise AI-enabled technologies to facilitate her missions and reduce potential risks that field specialists usually encounter.
                                                                    
Sgt. Al Marri views her role as a police officer as her life passion. She does not hesitate to learn new skills despite the challenges and pursues a new goal to specialise in disposing of underwater explosives.

Khulood Al Marri prepares for a dive in Dubai.

"I'm grateful to have a job that never ceases to motivate me with new challenges," Sgt. Al Marri commented.

"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 proud itself to have a 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 added.

Meanwhile, Colonel Hisham Al Suwaidi, Director of the Explosives Security Department, explained that Sgt. Al Marri's mission as an underwater explosive specialist involves securing explosives or hazardous devices under any water surface.

"She was among the first female batch to be professionally trained in 2020 on conducting security inspections and diffusing explosives. 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 continued.