Dubai Police’s eighth officer, Major General Khalifa bin Dhaen Al Mheiri, dies

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, mourned the death of Major General Khalifa bin Dhaen Al Mheiri on 22 October 2026, describing him as a loyal national figure and a dedicated police leader who served the Al Maktoum family and citizens for five decades.

Al Mheiri, known as Dubai Police officer number 8, joined the force at age 15. Only seven men had enrolled before him. In those early days, his uniform consisted of a kandura, ghutra, agal and a red belt. His only equipment was a baton — a modest beginning for a career that spanned 50 years.

Early career and ambition

In a June 2006 interview with Al Bayan, Al Mheiri recalled his childhood dream of becoming a soldier or policeman. Work opportunities at the time were limited to traditional trades and commerce, but he sought a different path. He first tried to work with the British military but was turned away for being too young. The following year, he was accepted for light duties in the Al Nakheel area of Al Ain. When he learned that Dubai had established a police force in 1956, he joined immediately.

Dubai Police began operations at Naif Fort with 29 officers, later moving its headquarters to Al Twar in 1973. In the early years, people often took disputes to tribal sheikhs and elders, and the concept of a formal police force was unfamiliar to some communities. Winning their acceptance took time, Al Mheiri said. Much of the early work involved guarding markets and the government house, with Naif as the main police headquarters and an outpost in Bur Dubai.

A dangerous pursuit

Al Mheiri recounted an incident that occurred around 2am when he became suspicious of two men carrying bags near a watch shop owned by businessman Ahmed Seddiqi in Bur Dubai’s Al Bunyan market. The men fled, and he chased them into an abandoned house. According to his recollection, he recovered two bags containing 400 stolen watches but sustained a knife wound to his arm. Without a firearm, he defended himself with a piece of wood and his baton. He then followed footprints to a house, and the suspects were arrested that same night. His colleagues rebuked him for taking such a risk, but he said he believed protecting the community was both a policeman’s duty and an honour, even when it involved personal danger.

Later years and legacy

By the time of the 2006 interview, Al Mheiri had become a brigadier and director of Nad Al Sheba Police Station. Dubai Police highlighted his leadership of that station among the achievements of a career that began in the force’s founding year. His contribution extended beyond policing into education. Jumeira University’s official biography identifies him as its founder, stating that the Dubai institution was established in 2012. The university attributes the vision to his concern for preserving the community’s cultural identity. The same biography describes him as a police pioneer whose long service earned him the affectionate title ‘The Father’ among officers and dignitaries.

Sheikh Mohammed’s tribute captured the significance of that service: “Dubai does not forget its men.” In his post, the Ruler addressed Al Mheiri as Abu Mohammed, praying for mercy for him and patience and solace for his family and loved ones.