Dubai: Dubai Police has launched the eighth edition of its winter courses, welcoming 500 students aged 11 to 18 from public and private schools across Dubai. The participants represent 16 nationalities. 

The programme is organised by Dubai Police through the Hemaya International Centre at the General Department of Anti-Narcotics, in partnership with the Dubai Police Student Council, and in cooperation with the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Community Development Authority (CDA).

Brigadier Khalid bin Mowaiza, Director of the General Department of Anti-Narcotics at Dubai Police, said the winter courses reflect Dubai Police’s commitment to investing in children and young people through well rounded programmes that help build balanced, aware personalities. He highlighted the importance of filling school holidays with educational, training, and awareness activities to protect young people from behavioural risks and negative influences. He added that the programme focuses on promoting positive values, responsibility, self-discipline, and life skills, while offering varied content that matches students’ interests, including sports, military style training, culture, and technology. 

First Lieutenant Khalil Mirza Ahli, Head of the Student Programmes Section at the Hemaya International Centre, said this year’s edition stands out for the variety of activities and the expanded training locations. Participants have been distributed across 6 training centres covering all areas of Dubai, with 4 centres dedicated to boys and 2 centres dedicated to girls, ensuring a suitable and safe environment for all.  

The programme includes military and fitness training, the Emirati values programme (Al Sanaa), practical courses in horse care, and field activities such as the Rescue Heroes Challenge, cycling, and an open day at the Hemaya activities centre in Al Qusais. Students will also visit Al Shindagha Heritage Village, the Dubai Police Museum at the force’s HQ, a Smart Police Station, the 901 call centre, and attend K9 police dog shows. 

As part of its preventive awareness focus, the programme features lectures under the theme “Your Awareness is Protection”, designed to raise students’ understanding of the risks of bullying, drugs, and cybercrime. The sessions aim to reinforce positive behaviour, teamwork, self-confidence, discipline, and national loyalty. 

Training centres

The boys’ centres are located at Zayed Educational Complex Al Khawaneej, Zayed Educational Complex Al Barsha South, Al Suhaili School, and Hatta 2 School. The girls’ centres are located at Zayed Educational Complex Al Warqa Girls, and Zayed Educational Complex Al Barsha North.