Sheikh Mohammed pays tribute to Dubai Police pioneer Khalifa bin Dhaen Al Mheiri
Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum paid tribute to Major General Khalifa bin Dhaen Al Mheiri following his death, honoring his five decades of service to the Al Maktoum family and the people of the UAE in a message on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
Mariam Al Mansoori
A leader remembered for his service
Sheikh Mohammed shared a black-and-white photograph of Al Mheiri on X alongside his tribute: "He was one of the nation's most devoted men, one of Dubai Police's most dedicated leaders, and among those who most faithfully devoted their lives to the Al Maktoum family and the people of the UAE over five decades of continuous service."
The Dubai ruler also prayed that God would grant Al Mheiri a place in paradise. "Dubai never forgets its men of distinction. May God have mercy on you, Abu Mohammed, and grant your family and loved ones patience and solace. Indeed, we belong to God, and to Him we shall return."
Jumeira University, which Al Mheiri founded, said he was respected among officers and dignitaries throughout the UAE. He became known as "The Father" and was widely considered the country's dean of policing, according to the university.
From an early recruit to police leadership
Al Mheiri's birthplace was Jumeirah, then a small Dubai settlement of tents and palm trees. His military service began at age 14, and he subsequently joined the early ranks of Dubai Police.
He entered Dubai Police in 1956, the year the force was established, according to its official obituary reported by Al Bayan on October 22, 2026. His police badge bore the number 8, and his salary did not exceed 90 rupees.
His assignments included the Zabeel police post, followed by leadership of the Nad Al Sheba police station. Dubai Police singled out his management of the latter as one of his most prominent achievements, Al Bayan reported.
Al Mheiri also took on responsibility for managing and securing Zabeel Palace in the 1970s under Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, according to the Bin Dhaen Group's corporate history.
Business and education initiatives
Beyond policing, Al Mheiri established organizations and initiatives that contributed to modern Dubai's development, according to Jumeira University. The university highlighted his generosity, leadership and commitment to community values.
He founded the Dubai-based family business Bin Dhaen Group, also known as Bin Dhaen Holding. According to its website, the group's interests cover real estate, construction, readymix concrete, engineering and education. Later generations now lead the business: Mohammed Khalifa Bin Dhaen Almheiri has served as Group Chairman since the early 2000s, while Ahmad Khalifa Bin Dhaen Almheiri is Group CEO.
Jumeira University, another institution he founded, secured its initial license from the UAE Ministry of Education on March 1, 2011. Its main campus building was finished that December, and students began the first term in February 2012, according to the university's official website.
