Crime-fighting researchers win Dh400,000 Sharjah Police award

Winners receive various cash prizes for studies in cybersecurity, AI and more

Last updated: June 04, 2025 | 16:10

Aghaddir Ali, Senior Reporter

3 MIN READ

The award ceremony was held in the presence of Major General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police and Vice Chairman of the Council, along with Brigadier Dr Mohammad Khamis Al Othmani, Director-General of the Academy.

Sharjah: Police experts from 14 countries were recognised on Wednesday at the fifth edition of the annual Sharjah Academy of Police Sciences Research Award. The winners shared a prize pool of Dh400,000 for their outstanding contributions in areas such as cybersecurity and other critical fields of law enforcement.

Organised under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Council of the Academy of Police Sciences, the event honoured the efforts of researchers in promoting innovation and scientific advancement in policing.

Speaking to Gulf News, Maj Gen bin Amer said this edition stood out from previous years by addressing pressing contemporary challenges. He highlighted the Academy’s mission to promote the value of research and encourage Emirati and Arab scholars to engage in scientific competition.

“This award reflects our commitment to a knowledge- and innovation-based approach to security,” he said. “We are proud of these talented researchers whose work will help shape future strategies and address modern challenges more effectively. Supporting scientific research is an investment in society’s safety and progress, and we will continue to empower creative minds.”

Certificates were also presented to all participants who submitted studies for this year's award.

Brig Dr Al Othmani noted that this year’s edition witnessed widespread participation, with 141 researchers from 14 countries submitting a total of 94 studies. Of these, 20 entries advanced to the final judging stage and were recognised for their exceptional and impactful work.

The submitted papers covered a range of emerging fields, including cybersecurity, the metaverse, social media, and anti-narcotics strategies.

“I would also like to highlight the Future Readiness Award, launched by Sharjah Police General Headquarters. This initiative is designed to promote strategic, forward-thinking approaches by encouraging future-focused studies that enhance preparedness and proactivity,” Brig Dr Al Othmani added.

Winners

Individual research category:

1st Place: Lt. Maryam Hussein Ahmed Al Balushi from Dubai Police for her study on “The Role of Predictive Algorithms in Combating Cybercrime.”
2nd Place: Prof. Abdullah Mohammed Al Mutawa from Kuwait University for “Enhancing the Credibility of Digital Evidence Using Blockchain Technology.”
3rd Place: Prof. Hossam Mohamed Nabil from Dubai Police Academy for “Security Responses to Cybersecurity Threats.”

Collaborative Research Category:

1st Place: Lt. Omar Mohammed Hassan Al Hammadi (Dubai Police) and researcher Huda Ibrahim Al Hammadi (Ministry of Justice) for their joint research on “Security Strategies to Protect Communities from Cyberattacks and AI’s Ethical Risks.”
2nd Place: Col. Dr. Mohammed Ali Al Shehhi (Ras Al Khaimah Police) and researcher Yousef Ali Al Shehhi for their study on “AI and Robotics as Early Warning Tools Against Digital Organized Crime.”
3rd Place: Maj. Gen. Dr. Essam El-Din Abdel Aal (Egypt) and Capt. Omar Abdullah Saif Al Naqbi (Sharjah Academy) for “Security Approaches to Combat Online Drug Trafficking in the Age of AI.”

Institutional Research Category:

1st Place: MOS (an Emirati-Bahraini educational and training solutions company) for their study on “Cyber Space Between Rumors and Terrorism – AI as a Tool for Preventing Extremism and Strengthening Cybersecurity.”
2nd Place: Khorfakkan University for “The Role of AI in Transitioning to Digital Security – A Predictive Model for Cybercrime in Khorfakkan City.”
3rd Place: UAE Ministry of Interior for “AI Applications in Security Work.”