Dubai: Dubai Police officially launched its tenth Winter Equestrian Forum on Monday morning, an annual initiative organised by the Mounted Police Station to help students make productive use of their winter break while learning equestrian skills and strengthening their sense of national, cultural, and community identity.

The launch took place at the Mounted Police Station in Al Aweer, attended by Lieutenant Colonel Dhahi Al Jallaf, Director of the Mounted Police Station, his deputy Major Hamad Al Shamsi, several specialised officers and staff in horse care, and the 300 registered students taking part in the two week programme.

Lieutenant Colonel Al Jallaf said the forum reflects the guidance of Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander in Chief of Dubai Police, to enhance engagement with all segments of the community including young people, and to support them in using their free time in meaningful ways. He noted that nurturing equestrian skills and teaching students how to raise and care for horses is rooted in national heritage.

He added that students receive training from skilled specialists, and by the end of the programme they will have a strong grasp of the knowledge and practical skills associated with horse care. He explained that reaching the tenth edition demonstrates the forum’s success in supporting young participants and the trust parents place in the initiative to enrich their children’s awareness and skills.

The forum includes a wide range of recreational, sports, cultural, and awareness activities that help students connect with one another, build teamwork, and gain valuable knowledge and skills.

Major Hamad Al Shamsi highlighted that the programme also features awareness lectures delivered in cooperation with the Hemaya International Centre at Dubai Police. These cover the dangers of narcotics, Wudeema’s Child Law, and safe behaviour on social media including the risks of engaging with strangers.

He added that the agenda includes creative workshops held with “Studio Al Sunna’’ to give students hands on experience in drawing and artistic creation, helping them explore and develop their talents. The programme also features sessions with luxury police patrols, appearances by the mascots Officers Mansour and Amina, and demonstrations by K9 teams from the Security Inspection Department.