Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced on Wednesday the appointment of Maj-General Abdullah Khalifa Al Merri as Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police.
Al Merri, 51, took over on Wednesday and said he will lead his team to make it an example for other police forces in the world.
A day earlier, Shaikh Mohammad promoted Maj-General Al Merri from Brigadier to Major General.
The appointment comes three months after the death of Lt General Khamis Al Mazeina, who passed away after a heart attack on November 24.
“Major General Abdullah Khailfa Al Merri, is of outstanding character in terms or leadership and rich expertise in the field of security. He will be a valuable addition to the nation’s security leaders, as commander-in-chief of Dubai Police,” Shaikh Mohammad tweeted after the appointment.
General Al Merri, who was Deputy Director of Protective Security and Emergency Department of the force since 2014, is expected to formally assume office on Thursday.
He thanked Shaikh Mohammad and promised to be an efficient leader and set an example for his colelagues in the departments.
“It’s a great responsibility given by Shaikh Mohammad and I pledge to live up to his expectations,” he said.
“I will continue the 60-year journey of Dubai Police and maintain its top position achieved by the great work of Lt Gen Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and General Security in Dubai,” Al Merri said.
He joined the force in 1992.
Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister fo Interior praised the appointment.
“Congratulations for the great confidence by Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid to appoint General Abdullah Al Merri as Dubai Police commander-in-chief. I wish him success in his new assignment.”
General Al Marri, presented his greetings to former Dubai Police leaders who supported him since he start his police work in 1992.
Lt Gen Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and General Security in Dubai, extended thanks and appreciation to Shaikh Mohammad for the decision.
Lt General Dahi Khalfan also commended the efforts of Al Merri, saying his dedication and loyalty serves the nation and the public well.
Al Marri was Deputy Director of Dubai Police's Protective Security and Emergency Department before he was appointed head of the force.
Maj-General Al Merri’s predecessor, Lt-General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, died on November 24, 2016, following a heart attack.
Maj-General Abdullah Khalifa Obaid Saqr Al Merri:
Birthday: 14 August 1965
1991: Obtained a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from UAE university
1992: Obtain a diploma in Police Science
1997: Got married, with three children — Saeed, Rashid and Shaikh
2004: Appointed director of VIP Security Department
2005: Completed a degree from Virginia University
Participated in 49 international conferences and meetings and accomplished 20 projects
2014: Appointed Deputy Director of Protective Security and Emergency Department of Dubai Police
Received a bravery medal, 4 medals for his excellent service in Dubai Police and 10 appreciation badges
He established the motorbike police team to protect VIPs in 2008
