Meet Dubai's trailblazing female underwater explosives specialist

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Sergeant Khulood Al Marri has become Dubai Police's first qualified female officer to handle explosives underwater.

Sgt. Al Marri's role involves securing explosives or hazardous devices under any water surface.

She has also been trained to utilise Artificial Intelligence-powered technologies to facilitate her missions and reduce potential risks.

As a member of the security inspections and explosives diffusers team at the General Department of Organisations Protective Security and Emergency, Sgt. Al Marri has undergone a six-month practical training to acquire the necessary skills to conduct a thorough inspection at various locations, detect suspicious items, and defuse and dispose of explosive hazards.

"I'm grateful to have a job that never ceases to motivate me with new challenges," said the officer with 16 years of experience.

"Dubai Police has created a motivating environment for the youth in general and women, in particular, to ensure we strive for nothing but excellence," she added.

Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Acting Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs, said that Dubai Police was proud of its remarkable cadre who shine and excel in all fields.

"The female personnel are no exception. They play a significant role in ensuring safety and security for all and proactively take on missions and duties that were in the past exclusively carried out by their male counterparts," he explained.

Meanwhile, Colonel Hisham Al Suwaidi, Director of the Explosives Security Department, said that Sgt. Al Marri was part of the first female batch to be professionally trained in 2020 on conducting security inspections.

"She, afterwards, enrolled in advanced diving courses and joined the underwater explosives team, who is responsible for disarming, rendering safe, and disposing of explosive hazards," he added.

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