Dubai Police named UAE's first Autism-Friendly Police

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, the Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, officially received the Force's Autism-Friendly Certificate (AFC) from the Dubai Autism Centre.

The certificate was granted to Dubai Police to acknowledge their fulfilment of the personnel, facilities, and services criteria in creating a safe and friendly environment for people with autism.

Al Marri confirmed that Dubai Police's achievement in receiving this recognition is a result of their steadfast dedication to creating an inclusive environment for individuals of determination.

He further explained that this commitment aligns with the objectives of sustainable development, the national policy for empowering people with determination, Dubai's strategy of 'My Community - A City for Everyone', and the Dubai Police strategy aimed at enhancing the quality of life and well-being of this segment of society.

Furthermore, Al Marri underscored that the acquisition of the certificate stands as a proud testament to the unwavering commitment of the Force to consistently improve and adopt the best global practices, experiences, and advanced technologies.

"This commitment aims to achieve pioneering leadership and comprehensive integration for individuals with determination, aligning with the remarkable advancements witnessed throughout the country in various sectors. Moreover, it reinforces Dubai Police's dedication to being a friendly and supportive entity for individuals of determination as an integral part of its social responsibility.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Al Emadi, the Director-General and Board Member of the Dubai Autism Centre, expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Dubai Police for their unwavering efforts and commitment to ensuring accessibility of services for individuals with autism at police stations.

He acknowledged their dedication to meeting the needs of individuals with autism on an equal basis with others, in line with the wise leadership's vision of transforming Dubai into a friendly city for people of determination.

He highlighted that the Autism-Friendly Certificate (AFC) was awarded to Al Barsha and Al Muraqqabat police stations based on the evaluation and inspection of the criteria for creating a safe and friendly environment for individuals with autism.

Al Emadi emphasized that Dubai Autism Centre, through its Autism-Friendly Environment program, continues its pursuit of the wise leadership's vision to create a safe and inclusive environment for individuals of determination through carefully planned and strategized approaches that align with the highest global and local standards and practices.

He reaffirmed the Centre’s dedication to serving the developmental objectives of the emirate and helping the entire community understand and embrace individuals with autism.

In turn, Major Abdullah Hamad Al Shamsi, Chairman of Dubai Police's People of Determination Empowerment Council, emphasized that the establishment of sensory rooms in police stations is a clear demonstration of the Council's unwavering dedication to creating inclusive facilities and buildings in accordance with the Dubai Universal Design Code.

He stated, "This pioneering initiative provides vital support to individuals with autism and underscores the importance of offering a protective and stimulating environment."

Al Shamsi further highlighted these sensory rooms' significant role in fostering social interaction, enhancing communication skills, and providing a safe space."

Al Shamsi reaffirmed the Council's commitment to fostering strong partnerships with relevant entities involved in supporting individuals with determination. He stated, "This collaboration aims to facilitate the exchange of experiences and knowledge, aligning with the UAE's vision of leading in providing care and attention to this crucial segment of society."

Al Shamsi further explained that the cooperation with Dubai Autism Centre is part of a collective endeavour to implement the Autism-Friendly Environment program, with the primary objective of establishing a sustainable and comprehensive system that encompasses the fundamental principles, standards, requirements, and evaluation criteria for effectively serving individuals with autism.

The Chairman of Dubai Police's People of Determination Empowerment Council, mentioned that Dubai Police has established two sensory rooms at Al Muraqqabat and Al Barsha police stations.

"These rooms have been fully equipped to cater to the specific requirements and needs of individuals with autism. Furthermore, there is a comprehensive plan in progress to evaluate the needs of other police stations for sensory rooms in order to enhance institutional services, improve facility readiness, and ensure that individuals with autism have equal access to the services they require across different sectors without any form of discrimination," he concluded.

The certificate presentation ceremony was also attended by Brigadier Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al Mualla, Director of the General Department of Excellence and Pioneering at Dubai Police; Captain Mohammed Abdul Rahman Al Mazrouei, Deputy Chairman of the People of Determination Empowerment Council at Dubai Police, along with council members from various departments and police stations, as well as representatives from the Dubai Autism Centre.