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Dubai Police announced the death of Major General Khalifa bin Dhaen Al Muhairi, one of its earliest recruits who joined the force in the year of its establishment. According to the force, Al Muhairi enlisted at the age of 15 in 1956 and received police badge number 8, beginning a career that spanned more than 50 years. He started with a monthly salary of less than 90 rupees and served at posts including Zabeel Police Post before heading Nad Al Sheba Police Station.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum wrote on X that Al Muhairi was one of the nation’s most devoted men, a dedicated leader of Dubai Police and among those who most faithfully served the Al Maktoum family and UAE citizens over five decades. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum added that the major general was among the first young men to join after the force’s founding and held numerous roles across decades of policing. The crown prince noted that Al Muhairi’s contributions continued after retirement through support for charitable, educational and community projects.
Al Muhairi was born in Jumeirah at a time when the area consisted of tents and palm-frond huts, Khaleej Times reported, citing his recollections in a 2006 Al Bayan interview. He first sought military work as a boy with the British forces and performed light duties in the Al Nakheel area of Al Ain after an initial rejection for being too young. When Dubai established its police force in 1956, he joined immediately, wearing a kandura, ghutra and agal with a red belt while carrying only a baton.
The major general served under Dubai Police’s first three foreign commanders before continuing under Emirati leadership, according to a Dubai Police statement. Gulf News reported that he witnessed the force develop from its early stages into a modern law enforcement body. His contemporaries included officers such as Khalifa Juma Al Nabooda, Issa Abdullah Bu Jumaid and Mohammed Ali Abu Frousha.
Jumeira University, which Al Muhairi founded, described him as respected by officers and dignitaries across the UAE and known as the dean of policing in the country. The university’s tribute highlighted his role as a key contributor to modern Dubai through various organisations and initiatives focused on community values, generosity and leadership. Al Muhairi remained active in such efforts following his retirement from the force.
Dubai Police described Al Muhairi as one of the officers who helped lay the foundations of the force and build its national workforce. He rose through the ranks to major general after starting from humble beginnings in a newly created police service. The tributes from UAE leadership reflect the esteem in which he was held for his decades of service.
