Dubai Police teach class on first day back to school

When some students at Second of December Girls School woke up early on Monday morning and headed to school, they had no idea their first class in the new academic year would be with Dubai Police.

Traffic ran smoothly around Al Twar, as children were dropped off by their parents or arrived on school buses. By the time Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Traffic Department at Dubai Police, arrived, students were already settled in their classrooms.

The visit comes as UAE schools reopen after a two-month summer break, kicking off the 2025–26 academic year with major updates. The new term introduces a unified school calendar, updates to Arabic and Islamic studies curricula, and the launch of the country’s first AI syllabus. Last evening and this morning, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, wished families and students a happy start to the new academic year.

Brigadier Juma’s first stop was a Grade 2 classroom, where he asked the children if they were ready for the new academic year. He explained what the police do every day to keep residents safe and asked which of them dreamed of joining the police force when they grow up. The students listened intently, some raising their hands enthusiastically.

He also drew a parallel between safety on the roads and safety in the classroom. “Sticking to rules on the road is just like following school rules. And each one of you can be a good citizen and resident by following the rules,” he told the kids.

Parents who came with their kids for the first day were as excited as the children. “They have been up since dawn,” said parent Maryam Al Balushi, who dropped off her three daughters — two in third grade and one in second grade.

The school was buzzing with excitement as Principal Mona Mohammed Al Ghafri toured the classrooms with Brigadier Juma. “The students are excited, and the teachers are even more eager to welcome them back and bring life into the school,” she said. The school’s theme for this year is ‘Skills to the Forefront’. “We have set our priorities to ensure that by the end of this year, students will have gained skills that truly matter to them,” she added.

“Dubai Police are at your service,” Brigadier Juma said as he concluded his visit, handing out gift packs to the students. The packages contained school supplies and stickers with the police logo, meant to serve as a keepsake and leave a lasting impression on the children. Speaking to Khaleej Times, he added, “Visits like today allow us to connect with children, show them that safety starts young, and reinforce that following rules protects everyone, whether on the road or in the classroom.”

At another school, Al Ittihad Private School in Al Mamzar, Dubai Police put on a treat for children. From mounted patrols and luxury vehicles to K9 units and police bikes, students were welcomed back with pomp and celebration.

Dubai Police General Command has also launched its 'Back-to-School' safety and security initiative for 2025–26, deploying 750 officers supported by 250 patrols — including luxury, mounted, and motorcycle units — and nine drones to ensure students’ safety across the emirate. 

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