A sad day for the country

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, leads the funeral prayers for Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina. WAM

The passing of Dubai’s police chief reminds us of those who work hard to make us safe

The nation is mourning the passing of one of its faithful servants, Lt Gen Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, the Dubai Chief of Police. He died of a heart attack on Thursday. As The National reported yesterday, hundreds of mourners included Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of ­Interior.

Emirati social media has reflected the sense of loss, with many people using Twitter and other platforms to praise a man who was respected for his patriotism, professionalism and remarkable character.

Gen Al Mazeina served the country since graduating from the Dubai Police Academy in 1983. In 2013, he was appointed General Commander of the Dubai Police after serving in other important roles, including deputy police chief and director of the general directorate for criminal investigations. During this time, he worked in anti-narcotics policing and led investigations into major murder cases and other serious crimes. The first thing Gen Al Mazeina stressed when he took on the role of Dubai Chief of Police was that maintaining safety and security in the emirate was his top priority.

His passing provides an opportunity for us to remember that while many of us take safety and security for granted, it is actually the result of the hard work and dedication of people such as Gen Al Mazeina. Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. Globally, it was ranked 40 on the safety parameter Mercer’s 18th annual Quality of Living survey released earlier this year. In upholding and enforcing the law, and maintaining peace and order, the police play an essential role in society. In honouring him, we also honour the efforts of all police and other civil-defence workers.

Individuals pass away, but some leave an important and long-lasting legacy. As Sheikh Mohammed tweeted, Gen Al Mazeina “has not died, but has gone down in the history of the country”.