Dubai: Five Emirati officers proudly represented the United Arab Emirates in the second edition of the Police Innovation and Leadership (PIL) Diploma, organised by Dubai Police in collaboration with the Rochester Institute of Technology. 

The intensive four-month programme brought together top-ranking officers from 38 countries across various continents, offering participants a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and cross-cultural leadership development.

The Emirati officers are: Major Eisa Hareb Al Neyadi from the UAE National Guard
Major Mohamed Obaid Alzaabi, Head of Specialised Training at the Sharjah Police Academy
Captain Mohammad Ismail Al Jeziri, Engineer First Lieutenant Ahmad Saeed Ali Al Amri, and Lieutenant Juwahir Yousuf from Dubai Police.

The five officers extended their heartfelt appreciation to the UAE’s leadership for their unwavering support in empowering young national talent in the security sector. They also expressed gratitude to Dubai Police for facilitating their participation in this global diploma, which they described as a transformative learning experience that deepened their understanding of modern policing and elevated their professional capabilities.

Redefining Leadership and Expanding Horizons

Major Eisa Hareb Al Neyadi described the diploma as a personal and professional growth milestone. “This was not just another training course—it was a complete reset of how I view leadership,” he said. “It challenged me to think differently, act strategically, and engage deeply with peers worldwide.”

He added that the programme’s ability to blend academic theory with practical leadership challenges made it especially valuable, highlighting how the collaborative atmosphere encouraged shared wisdom, cultural exchange, and strategic foresight.

Empowering Decision-Making Through Innovation

Major Mohamed Obaid Alzaabi noted that the programme directly impacted his leadership style and decision-making process. “I now rely more heavily on data analysis and risk assessment before making operational decisions. I’ve also adopted a more inclusive approach by engaging my team in the process, which has already improved our performance outcomes,” he said.

He praised Dubai Police’s model, particularly its use of artificial intelligence and proactive policing, as a valuable case study that shaped many of the programme’s discussions. Alzaabi is currently working on translating the knowledge gained into action by organising internal workshops and launching pilot projects to test innovative tools used in the programme.

From Theory to Practice

Captain Mohammad Ismail Al Jeziri highlighted the programme’s unique combination of academic learning and field application. “The diploma offered a holistic leadership experience that pushed us beyond the classroom,” he said. He also spoke highly of the teamwork component, which included multi-national group assignments that exposed participants to diverse perspectives on global policing challenges.

Al Jeziri added that the physical fitness training component enhanced participants’ discipline and mental resilience, emphasising that physical and cognitive strength go hand in hand in effective leadership.

Tech-Driven Policing Mindset

Engineer First Lieutenant Ahmad Saeed Ali Al Amri described the diploma as a turning point in his professional journey. With a background in robotics, he found the programme’s focus on innovation and technology particularly relevant. “It changed the way I perceive policing. I now see how my technical expertise can be integrated into police work to create smarter and more efficient systems,” he said.

Al Amri also noted the importance of communication skills in a multicultural environment, calling it one of the most essential leadership tools he gained during the programme. “In a setting with so many nationalities, clear and empathetic communication became the foundation of collaboration.”

Leading with Empathy and Vision

Lieutenant Juwahir Yousuf shared how the programme reshaped her leadership perspective. “I’ve shifted from a traditional leadership style to one rooted in empowerment, strategic thinking, and active listening,” she said.

She also praised the programme’s alignment with the UAE’s smart policing vision. “We explored technologies like virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and data analytics and discussed their direct impact on day-to-day policing.”

Lieutenant Juwahir expressed pride in representing the UAE, stating that the programme provided a unique platform to showcase the country’s values and advanced policing model. “Engaging with international officers allowed me to reflect on our national identity and promote the UAE as a global leader in policing innovation.”