Dubai: In celebration of Emirati Children’s Day, observed annually on 15 March, Dubai Police organised a virtual dialogue session titled “Children Today… Ambassadors of Safety Tomorrow.”

The session was hosted by the Safety Ambassadors Council, in cooperation with the Child and Woman Protection Section at the General Department of Human Rights, as part of the “Voice of Childhood” programme.

The initiative aimed to raise awareness of children’s rights, highlight the UAE’s achievements in protecting and supporting children, and emphasise the importance of ensuring that every child enjoys their fundamental rights within a safe and supportive environment.

The session was attended by Colonel Faisal Al Khameeri, Deputy Director of the General Department of Human Rights, and Major Rashid Nasser Al Ali, Head of the Safety Ambassadors Council and Head of the Child Protection Section at the Child and Woman Protection Department in Dubai Police, along with several student Safety Ambassadors.

A National Occasion

In his opening remarks, Colonel Faisal Al Khameeri described Emirati Children’s Day as a national occasion that renews the country’s commitment to protecting and empowering children while providing a safe and supportive environment for their growth. He noted that children represent the foundation of the future, and investing in their wellbeing is an investment in the nation’s long term development.

He added that celebrating Emirati Children’s Day reflects the UAE’s humanitarian approach in establishing a comprehensive system for child protection and welfare while nurturing generations capable of contributing to the country’s continued development in the decades ahead.

A Supportive Environment for Children

Colonel Al Khameeri emphasised that the UAE’s commitment to children has deep roots dating back to the era of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, when education became compulsory in formal schools. Since then, the country has continued to build a supportive environment through strong cooperation between schools and families, ensuring children receive their full educational, health, recreational, and social rights.

Special Significance in the Year of the Family

He further explained that this year’s Emirati Children’s Day carries special significance following the declaration of 2026 as the “Year of the Family” by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. The announcement highlights the central role of the family as the primary environment for a child’s growth and emotional balance, reinforcing the importance of empowering families in building a cohesive and confident society.

Strategic Vision for Child Awareness

For his part, Major Rashid Nasser Al Ali said that the celebration of Emirati Children’s Day reflects the leadership’s strong commitment to future generations as the cornerstone of the nation’s progress. He noted that the occasion serves as an opportunity to reaffirm efforts to empower young people and equip them with knowledge that aligns with the country’s aspirations.

He explained that the Safety Ambassadors Council operates under a clear strategic vision aimed at enhancing children’s awareness of their rights and improving quality of life. The council, he said, represents a pioneering Emirati model that reflects the UAE and Dubai Police’s commitment to empowering children and involving them actively within the community safety system.

Partnership for Child Protection

Major Al Ali also highlighted the collaborative efforts between Dubai Police and relevant partners to strengthen child protection through an integrated system that ensures children grow in a healthy, safe, and supportive environment. He noted that the UAE has become a leading example in safeguarding children’s rights and protecting them from risks, making its experience a model that is recognised internationally.

Discussion Session

The event concluded with an interactive discussion session in which Major Rashid Al Ali spoke about “A Message from a Dubai Police Officer.”

Two Safety Ambassadors, Amal Abdulaziz Al Abdouli and Wareefa Obaid Al Mesmari, also participated in the discussion, addressing several topics including digital safety for children, being a safety ambassador within the community, and the role children can play in promoting safety.