The all-women Swat teams from Abu Dhabi and Dubai Police have set their sights on emerging as champions at this year’s UAE Swat Challenge.
The Abu Dhabi Police women's team – making their debut in the competition – is on a mission that extends far beyond participation.
Lobna Elhalawani, fitness trainer for the force's elite F7 Directorate, has helped to prepare the eight female fighters and snipers to meet the competition's rigorous demands.
“The decision to form the all-women team was made last year with the goal to excel on both local and global stages,” Ms Elhalawani, who has been with Abu Dhabi Police for six years, told The National.
Our sights are set on clinching first place, a goal I believe is within our reach
Mahra Jasem,
who serves in Abu Dhabi Police's F7 directorate
The team members take part in a wide range of operations, from raids to ensuring safety and security.
And, despite having only three months of extensive training before the competition, Ms Elhalawani is confident.
“They have performed very well, and I believe that a year from now, the team will rank among the top 10 globally.”
Tough training regime
Nahid Al Naqbi, 34, has served with Abu Dhabi Police for nine years, taking on the additional role as a sniper in the past two years.
“Joining the police was my childhood dream. I've always been committed to self-improvement and mastering new skills,” she said.
She enrolled in a series of tough courses, ranging from special missions to tactical combat and advanced sniper training.
“Training under the intense heat with equipment weighing over eight kilograms, was exhausting but every step of the journey was worth it,” Ms Al Naqbi added.
“Breaking through the barriers as a woman in this field is tough, but my family’s support has been my strength.”
'Attitudes have changed'
Mahra Jasem, 29, serves in the F7 directorate, having transitioned from security support duties in 2017.
“Our decision to participate [in the Swat Challenge] was driven by a belief in our qualifications and readiness,” she said.
“Seeing other women's teams competing, aside from ours and Dubai Police, boosted our confidence.
“Our sights are set on clinching first place, a goal I believe is within our reach.”
She also encouraged more Emirati women to join the police, saying attitudes have changed.
“The once prevalent doubt towards women in the police force has diminished, making way for a new era of inclusivity,” Ms Jasem said.
“Remember, there's no challenge too great. Our intelligence, determination, and competitive spirit are our greatest assets.”
Aisha Juma, 32, has devoted a decade to Abu Dhabi Police, starting at the Sweihan Police School and progressing through roles including security support and participating in raids, before joining the F7 directorate.
With a family background deeply rooted in the military, Ms Juma was inspired to pursue a career in law enforcement.
“Working with the police is in my blood,” she said.
Leading the Dubai women's team this year is 2nd Lt Afra Hareb Al Nuaimi, 27.
She told The National: “My childhood dream was realised through the encouragement of my family and the empowerment provided by Dubai Police.
“Leading the team is not just a role but a responsibility.
“Last year’s participation taught us the value of self-challenge, pushing us to aim even higher this year.”
“Our presence and performance last year have sparked a broader inspiration, encouraging more women's teams to step into the arena,” she said.
“Seeing other women's teams join the challenge fills me with pride and joy, showcasing the impact and incentive we've created for global participation.”
Standing out
Drawing an equal amount of attention as the competitors themselves, Dubai Police’s Lt Maitha Mohammed Saif stands as the challenge's sole female referee.
“I have been in this position for the past four years which is a testament to my expertise, resilience, and the advancements of women in the UAE,” she said.
Lt Saif, 42, discovered an early passion for police work and a keen interest in shooting which eventually landed her the role of referee.
“I have always had a passion for shooting, this field that demands not only physical skill but also a sharp analytical mind.”
As a child, Lt Saif noticed other children found entertainment in pursuing a range of hobbies, whereas she was only interested in one thing.
“While my schoolmates were engaged in a variety of activities at scout camps, I always joined activities involving weapons and shooting,” she said.
In 2001, straight after high school, she joined Dubai Police.
“After few years of working with the force I pursued my education at the Dubai Police Academy, and earned a bachelor’s degree in law.”
She now leads the personal protection team in the General Department of Protective Security and Emergency at Dubai Police and has been a member of the UAE shooting team in 2006.
Four years ago she decided to train as a referee before becoming the only woman on a team of 24 UAE SWAT male referees.
Lt Saif described her teammates as “very supportive” and said their insights have “greatly enriched” her experience as a referee.
In addition, Lt Maitha was also the only Arab female referee among 70 international referees at last year's Extreme Euro shooting competition in the Czech Republic.
Her goal, she says, is to inspire the next generation of female military professionals.
“In today's world, gender does not limit one's capabilities or successes,” said Lt Maitha.
“All that Emirati women need to do is follow their passion, and they will excel.”
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Transmission: ten-speed
Power: 420bhp
Torque: 624Nm
Price: Dh325,125
On sale: Now
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
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RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 2,200m
Winner: Arjan, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer).
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: Jap Nazaa, Royston Ffrench, Irfan Ellahi.
6pm: Al Ruwais Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 1,200m
Winner: RB Lam Tara, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinal.
6.30pm: Shadwell Gold Cup Prestige Dh125,000 1,600m
Winner: AF Sanad, Bernardo Pinheiro, Khalifa Al Neyadi.
7pm: Shadwell Farm Stallions Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Winner: Jawal Al Reef, Patrick Cosgrave, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
7.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner: Dubai Canal, Harry Bentley, Satish Seemar.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The biog
Name: Gul Raziq
From: Charsadda, Pakistan
Family: Wife and six children
Favourite holes at Al Ghazal: 15 and 8
Golf Handicap: 6
Childhood sport: cricket
The specs: 2018 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet
Price, base: Dh429,090
Engine 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission Seven-speed automatic
Power 510hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque 700Nm @ 1,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 9.2L / 100km
Scoreline
Saudi Arabia 1-0 Japan
Saudi Arabia Al Muwallad 63’
A cheaper choice
Vanuatu: $130,000
Why on earth pick Vanuatu? Easy. The South Pacific country has no income tax, wealth tax, capital gains or inheritance tax. And in 2015, when it was hit by Cyclone Pam, it signed an agreement with the EU that gave it some serious passport power.
Cost: A minimum investment of $130,000 for a family of up to four, plus $25,000 in fees.
Criteria: Applicants must have a minimum net worth of $250,000. The process take six to eight weeks, after which the investor must travel to Vanuatu or Hong Kong to take the oath of allegiance. Citizenship and passport are normally provided on the same day.
Benefits: No tax, no restrictions on dual citizenship, no requirement to visit or reside to retain a passport. Visa-free access to 129 countries.
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, Saiee Manjrekar
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Rating: 2.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, last-16, second leg (first-leg scores in brackets):
PSG (2) v Manchester United (0)
Midnight (Thursday), BeIN Sports
Honeymoonish
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SPEC SHEET
Display: 6.8" edge quad-HD dynamic Amoled 2X, Infinity-O, 3088 x 1440, 500ppi, HDR10 , 120Hz
Processor: 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/Exynos 2200, 8-core
Memory: 8/12GB RAM
Storage: 128/256/512GB/1TB
Platform: Android 12
Main camera: quad 12MP ultra-wide f/2.2, 108MP wide f/1.8, 10MP telephoto f/4.9, 10MP telephoto 2.4; Space Zoom up to 100x, auto HDR, expert RAW
Video: 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, full-HD@60fps, HD@30fps, super slo-mo@960fps
Front camera: 40MP f/2.2
Battery: 5000mAh, fast wireless charging 2.0 Wireless PowerShare
Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC
I/O: USB-C
SIM: single nano, or nano and SIM, nano and nano, eSIM/nano and nano
Colours: burgundy, green, phantom black, phantom white, graphite, sky blue, red
Price: Dh4,699 for 128GB, Dh5,099 for 256GB, Dh5,499 for 512GB; 1TB unavailable in the UAE
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
More on Quran memorisation:
Financial considerations before buying a property
Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.
“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says.
Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.
Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier.
BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
More on animal trafficking
The Bio
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Favourite place to relax in UAE: the desert around Al Mleiha in Sharjah or the eastern mangroves in Abu Dhabi
The one book everyone should read: 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It will make your mind fly
Favourite documentary: Chasing Coral by Jeff Orlowski. It's a good reality check about one of the most valued ecosystems for humanity
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Washmen Profile
Date Started: May 2015
Founders: Rami Shaar and Jad Halaoui
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Laundry
Employees: 170
Funding: about $8m
Funders: Addventure, B&Y Partners, Clara Ventures, Cedar Mundi Partners, Henkel Ventures
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
