News DeskDubai, UAE – Lieutenant Mariam Abdullah Baljafla is the first veterinary officer within Dubai Police, and she has a special bond with the force’s four-legged heroes. She is responsible for the healthcare and rehabilitation of the police dogs, who play a vital role in event security and other police operations, such as narcotics detection, explosives handling, and tracking.
Lt Baljafla joined Dubai Police in 2021, after graduating from the United Arab Emirates University’s veterinary program in 2020. She currently serves in the K9 Inspection Department, a sub-department of the General Department of Organisation Protective Security and Emergency.
She told that she enjoys working with the dogs and providing them with the best medical care. “My tasks involve conducting morning or evening rounds to monitor the police dogs’ overall health, ensuring they are consistently prepared for their roles. This includes performing specific health checks to verify their well-being, free from diseases and injuries, managing lab and blood tests, administering vaccines, and other vital medical services that directly impact their operational readiness,” she said.
She added that working with Dubai Police has allowed her to realise her aspiration in veterinary practice, as well as to participate in various field events. “My role contributes alongside other teams within Dubai Police towards enhancing security and public happiness, including major events like the New Year’s Eve celebrations, the COP28 conference, and Expo 2020, among others,” she said.
Lt Baljafla’s passion for animals dates back to her childhood, when she was nurtured by her family’s diverse interest in animal care. She decided to pursue veterinary studies, with the strong support of her family, despite some societal astonishment. “My family, including my parents and siblings, were extremely proud of my choice to study veterinary medicine, helping me fulfil my childhood dream. Their encouragement continues to this day,” she said.
She also followed her father’s footsteps, who served and retired from Dubai Police, and joined the force as a veterinary officer. Through her role, she aims to achieve significant milestones and serve as an inspiration for Emirati women, demonstrating their capability and innovation in various professional domains.
Lt Baljafla is one of the many Emirati women who work in the police sector in the UAE, which has the highest number of female officers in the entire Middle East region. According to the Emirates Women Police Association, there are 14,000 Emirati women working in the police force. They perform various roles, such as crime scene investigation, forensic analysis, SWAT team, helicopter pilot, and more.
The UAE has been a pioneer in empowering women and supporting their participation in all fields of work. The country has also been celebrating Emirati Women’s Day on August 28 every year since 2015, to honour the achievements and contributions of Emirati women to the nation’s development and progress.
