Dubai: Dubai Police has become the first police organisation in the Middle East and North Africa to receive a Certificate of Recognition from the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN), marking a new international milestone for the UAE in child protection.

The recognition was awarded to Dubai Police, represented by the General Department of Human Rights, for its pioneering and outstanding efforts to protect children and enhance their safety, as well as for establishing Child Oasis, a multidisciplinary centre providing a safe environment and comprehensive protection services designed to safeguard children’s rights.

The achievement further reflects the UAE’s continued efforts to advance child rights through internationally recognised standards, policies, services and initiatives.

A Regional First in Child Protection

Dubai Police congratulated the UAE and its leadership on the achievement, which reflects the country’s continued commitment to implementing the highest international standards relating to children’s rights.

Dubai Police also expressed appreciation for the continued support of Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, in advancing excellence locally and internationally and promoting global best practices that reinforce the UAE’s leadership in security and policing.

Putting Children’s Rights First

Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, said Dubai Police remains committed to supporting the UAE’s strategy and directives on children’s rights.

He said Dubai Police applies the highest standards for safeguarding children’s rights in alignment with the country’s legislative and policy framework, particularly as the UAE marks 2026 as the Year of the Family.

Lieutenant General Al Marri also commended the personnel of the General Department of Human Rights for achieving the international recognition and for their continued efforts to advance excellence in child protection.

International Confidence in Dubai’s Approach

Brigadier Faisal Al Khumairi, Acting Director of the General Department of Human Rights at Dubai Police, described the ISPCAN recognition as a strategic step in Dubai Police’s efforts to develop its child protection system according to leading international practices.

He said the achievement reflects international confidence in Dubai Police’s institutional capabilities and specialised expertise and represents explicit international recognition of the organisation’s efforts to develop a specialised environment based on an integrated approach involving relevant entities.

Brigadier Al Khumairi said the achievement was made possible through leadership support and sustained investment in developing a comprehensive system that integrates protection, care and investigation while addressing children’s psychological, social and legal needs.

He added that the recognition will create further opportunities for international cooperation and knowledge exchange with global institutions, supporting continued improvements to preventive and therapeutic services and programmes for children.

Child Oasis: Protection in a Child-Centred Environment

Lieutenant Colonel Dr Ali Mohammad Al Matroushi, Director of the Child and Women Protection Department at the General Department of Human Rights, said Child Oasis represents a pioneering model of Dubai Police’s commitment to applying high professional and humanitarian standards when supporting affected children.

The centre provides a safe and supportive environment where a child can give their statement within a professional and compassionate setting.
Its multidisciplinary approach significantly reduces the potential negative psychological impact associated with repeated procedures and interviews, placing the child’s wellbeing at the centre of the process.

Global Knowledge Exchange

Lieutenant Colonel Al Matroushi said ISPCAN, established in 1977, is a leading international organisation dedicated to preventing and addressing all forms of child abuse, including physical and psychological abuse and neglect.

He said the recognition will enable Dubai Police to exchange international best practices in supporting victims of exploitation and abuse, while providing valuable opportunities for specialised training and access to the latest methodologies, research and studies.

He stressed that child protection remains a top priority requiring the continuous development of tools and policies to deliver the highest standards of care and ensure that the best interests of the child remain the foremost consideration.

Advancing a Global Standard of Child Protection

The international recognition reinforces Dubai Police’s commitment to developing a child protection system that combines professional expertise with a child centred and compassionate approach.

By integrating protection, care and investigation within a multidisciplinary environment, Child Oasis provides a model designed to safeguard children’s rights and wellbeing while minimising the potential psychological impact of the procedures they experience.