It was 60 years ago this month that the former ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, issued a decree to set up a police force for the small town and its environs, appointing Captain Peter H. Clayton as the chief. Back then, no one could have imagined what would become of Dubai, how it would grow, join the UAE as a proud emirate or indeed become a global landmark and an economic super hub.

And through all of that growth, Dubai Police has met the challenges and become an internationally acclaimed force.

When you read the history of Dubai Police, there’s a common threat of innovation that links all of the events down through the years. It provided patrols on horses for the back alleys and lanes of the city. It developed a marine wing to service the maritime needs of a growing port and its bustling trade. It took to the air to watch over the city and its growth. It bought early computers, quickly realising the potential of the new technology in being able to store data and crunch numbers and it modernised and expanded its fleet of vehicles — one cannot but smile as its fleet of premium vehicles are rolled out, highlighting traffic and road safety and making headlines around the world.

Yes, there are officers who gave their lives answering the call of duty, beginning their shifts and saying goodbye to loved ones — only to die in traffic accidents and in serving and protecting others. The force has always kept ahead of the mischievous minds of criminals, putting crime-busting plans in place to thwart the ne’er do wells. Today, 60 years on, it’s time to express our gratitude: Dubai Police has served and protected us well. Long may it continue.