Sheikh Mohammed approves promotion of 6,526 security personnel across Dubai agencies
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved mass promotions across Dubai Police, Civil Defence, State Security and GDRFA, while elevating Major General Tamim Al Muhairi to Lieutenant General in recognition of exceptional service.
Sheikh Mohammed approves promotion of 6,526 security personnel across Dubai agencies
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the promotion of 6,526 personnel serving across Dubai's security agencies, honouring their dedication and contributions to the emirate's safety and stability.
The promotions span four key institutions: the Dubai State Security Department, Dubai Police, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, and the Dubai Civil Defence Authority. The decision recognises continued service, performance and leadership qualities across the emirate's security apparatus.
In a separate directive, Sheikh Mohammed elevated Major General Tamim Al Muhairi, Director General of the Dubai State Security Department, to the rank of Lieutenant General. The promotion acknowledges Al Muhairi's role in strengthening Dubai's security framework and advancing institutional excellence. Lieutenant General is the third-highest officer rank in the UAE security and military system, below only General.
Al Muhairi was appointed Director-General of Dubai's State Security Department in 2024 through Decree No. 22 of 2024, and his latest promotion reflects his rapid advancement and the trust placed in his leadership.
Dubai's security institutions
The mass promotions encompass personnel from Dubai Police Force, which employs approximately 30,000 people including over 17,500 sworn members. The force, established on June 1, 1956, following a decree by Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, is responsible for policing an area of 4,114 square kilometres and serving a population exceeding 3 million. Originally based in Naif Fort, the force relocated its headquarters to Al Twar in 1973. Dubai Police is currently led by Commander-in-Chief Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, with Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim serving as Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security.
Dubai Civil Defence Authority, established in 1976 based on directives from the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, currently employs over 3,500 personnel. The authority is headed by Lieutenant General Expert Rashid Thani Rashid Al Matrooshi as Commander in Chief, with Major General Jamal bin Aded Al Muhairi serving as Deputy Commander in Chief.
The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai regulates residency of foreign nationals and manages entry and exit of international travellers to the emirate, providing essential services including visa issuance and residency permits. The directorate plays a crucial role in Dubai's security infrastructure and visitor management system.
Recognition of service excellence
The promotions reflect Dubai leadership's emphasis on recognising outstanding national talent and reinforcing the readiness of security institutions to carry out their duties with professionalism. The decision supports the emirate's comprehensive development journey by investing in the capabilities of security personnel who safeguard public safety.
In UAE police and security forces, promotions are typically decided by high-level officials and based on criteria including service duration, performance, leadership qualities and institutional needs. The scale of these promotions underscores the government's commitment to developing professional security services aligned with Dubai's growth as a global city.
