Brigadier Samira Abdullah Al Ali has become the first woman to be promoted to the rank of brigadier in the 69-year history of Dubai Police, marking a milestone achievement in the organisation’s continued development.
Her promotion was part of a wider series of career advancements for officers and personnel, directed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. With more than three decades of service to her name, Brigadier Al Ali currently leads the Insurance Department at Dubai Police.
“This promotion is a source of pride for every woman in Dubai Police and a testament to the organisation’s dedication to granting women equal opportunities to lead and serve their country,” she said.
“This rank carries great responsibility. I will do everything in my power to live up to the confidence placed in me and continue contributing meaningfully to our beloved nation and the institution I’m proud to be part of.”
Brigadier Al Ali began her journey with Dubai Police in October 1994, after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in insurance from UAE University in 1991. Initially working in the private insurance sector, she made the move to public service after responding to a newspaper advertisement and completing a women’s preparatory course at the Dubai Police Academy.
Starting her career in a small team of three, Brigadier Al Ali saw the Insurance Department grow into a fully specialised unit, now overseeing all insurance matters connected to Dubai Police assets.
“No other police agency in the UAE has a dedicated Insurance Department like ours. We handle all types of insurance operations, constantly updating and monitoring policies to meet evolving needs,” she said.
Her expertise and leadership earned her a place at the General Department of Transport and Rescue, where she became the first woman to work in the department and eventually moved into a senior role.
Brigadier Samira Abdullah Al Ali has received multiple distinguished recognitions, including the Commander‑in‑Chief Excellence Award for her leadership of the award-winning “SAND” initiative to reduce accidents and insurance claims, and the Seven-Star Award, granted by New Zealand’s Centre for Organisational Excellence Research (COER), for steering the Safe Driving Stars programme to notable success.
During her tenure, she has accumulated 392 badges, medals and certificates of appreciation, submitted 225 development proposals, and holds an MBA and a Diploma in Information Technology.
“Discipline and commitment, which I learnt at Dubai Police, helped me balance my professional and personal life. I always remind my 22-member team, including three women, to believe in yourselves and trust in God. With faith and effort, everything is possible,” she added.
Her promotion is widely seen as a landmark moment, reflecting the continued progression of women within the ranks of Dubai Police and their increasing presence in key leadership roles.
