A sad day for the UAE as Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina passes away

A UAE newspaper has said that the passing of Dubai’s police chief reminds us of those who work hard to make us safe.

In an editorial on Sunday, The National said, "The nation is mourning the passing of one of its faithful servants, Lt. Gen. Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, the Dubai Chief of Police. He died of a heart attack on Thursday."

As the paper reported yesterday, the hundreds of mourners included Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior.

Emirati social media has reflected the sense of loss, with many people using Twitter and other platforms to praise a man who was respected for his patriotism, professionalism and remarkable character.

Lt. Gen. Al Mazeina served the country since graduating from the Dubai Police Academy in 1983. In 2013, he was appointed General Commander of the Dubai Police after serving in other important roles, including Deputy Police Chief and Director of the General Directorate for Criminal Investigations. During this time, he worked in anti-narcotics policing and led investigations into major murder cases and other serious crimes. The first thing Gen. Al Mazeina stressed when he took on the role of Dubai Chief of Police was that maintaining safety and security in the emirate was his top priority.

His passing provides an opportunity for us to remember that while many of us take safety and security for granted, it is actually the result of the hard work and dedication of people such as Gen. Al Mazeina. Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. Globally, it was ranked 40 on the safety parameter Mercer’s 18th annual Quality of Living survey released earlier this year. In upholding and enforcing the law, and maintaining peace and order, the police play an essential role in society. In honouring him, we also honour the efforts of all police and other civil-defence workers.

Individuals pass away, but some leave an important and long-lasting legacy. As Sheikh Mohammed tweeted, Gen. Al Mazeina "has not died, but has gone down in the history of the country".