Meet UAE's first woman to work as ammunition and explosives technician

First Warrant Officer Asma Obaid Saif Humaidan Al Zaabi is one of the most prominent female role models in the Ministry of Interior (MoI).

The first female officer to work as an ammunition and explosives technician, Asma has been able to combine military work, scientific innovation, and athletic excellence, and hence become an example to follow in courage and excellence.

“I chose the military field because of my deep belief that women can contribute greatly to the Ministry of Interior (MoI). My work as an ammunition and explosives technician at the Weapons and Explosives Directorate makes me proud, especially since it requires precise skills and faces unconventional challenges," she said.

"I began my journey in police work in 2006 and have continuously developed myself through training in the latest technologies, such as the use of artificial intelligence in detecting explosives. This step has not only enhanced my efficiency, but reduced the risks facing those working in this field as well,” Asma said.

Asma’s innovations left a clear mark in the security field including a car that detects explosives using X-ray and self-analysis technology, virtual reality glasses that facilitate inspection and detection of explosives, a system to monitor wanted people, which represents a quantum leap in enhancing security, and the design of the smart logo currently being used in MoI’s systems.

Since joining the MoI, Asma has worked for various departments and this helped her build a broad knowledge base and rich practical experience.

At the beginning of her career, she worked in the Planning, Development and Secretariat Department at Ras Al Khaimah Police’s Training Institute.

She then moved to the Organized Crimes Department, where she dealt with complex cases and tasks that required high concentration.

She also worked at ports and airports, in the Inspection and Explosive Disposal Department of the Weapons and Explosives Directorate and in the Weapons and Explosives Licensing Department.

This diversity of tasks helped Asma hone her skills and develop a deep understanding of the MoI’s work, thereby becoming one of the most influential figures in her field.

Asma told the MoI’s magazine 999 that she received several prestigious awards including Minister of Interior Award in 2019 as well as a heroic work award for excellence and rescue medal in 2010, scientific research awards for 2012, 2015 and 2017 and the director general’s award for implemented proposals in 2020.

She was also selected as one of MoI’s top 10 female shooters. These awards reflect the extent of dedication and diligence she has put into her work as well as her ability to achieve accomplishments in the most difficult fields.

Asmaa, however, is still striving for more. Her ultimate dream is to establish a dedicated innovation centre that serves the security sector and develops the capabilities of its employees.

She also aspires to create an all-female explosives team, the first of its kind in the Middle East.

“I seek to transfer my expertise to the next generation and be part of achieving a quantum leap in the field of security on the regional level,” she said.