Dubai's guardian angels

Six gun-packed policewomen, riding full-throttle on 1,200cc superbikes, make up the Gulf’s first all-woman quick-response team.

But these women aren’t merely glam dolls like Charlie’s Angels. They’re professionals, trained to abseil from helicopters wearing battle-packs, be markswomen with 9mm handguns, and to lay down their lives to protect those put under their care.

They have been hand-picked to act as bodyguards to heads of state, ministers, top officials and their families, particularly women.

Members of this crack unit, set up earlier this year, have been taken from 42 female officers in Dubai Police’s Department of Pro-tective Security and Emergency.

And, as Arab women in a traditional male-dominated role, the combat-booted, khaki-clad crackshots are determined to show that they mean business.

 Fatima Al Mamari, 25

Sgt Fatima Saeed Al Mamari, one of the members of Dubai’s six-women team, said: "We are in the first line of defence if there’s an incident that may affect a VIP."

Like her colleagues, she graduated from the Dubai Police Academy and underwent special military training, including counter-terrorist measures.

But, before that, her first ‘small battle’ was waged with her family.

"There was objection and criticism from my family in the beginning when I joined the police force at the age of 21."

Four years on, nothing much has changed and the challenge still remains, she said.

"Being a female cop may be a strange sight in our society. But I sort of broke out of the mould when I decided to join the force. When I go to a bank for a transaction and show them my driving licence, I can see the shock on their faces when they realise that it’s a motorcycle licence."

Every motorbike patrol is connected to a police scanner – a command and control officer who provides the cops with information, instructions and warnings.

Part of the training involves two female cops riding on one bike. While one drives the bike, the other keeps an eye out for emergencies.

Always armed, their service pistols are loaded with 15 bullets.

Besides being trained to handle Yamaha bikes weighing 400-kg plus, the officers are also trained to rappel, conduct raids and undertake security operations.

"The most important thing is to be self-confident. Even after I get married, I’d keep my job. I like the challenge that goes with it."

Fatima hopes to buy a private motorbike for herself.

 Mariam Ahmad, 28

Earlier this year, Corporal Mariam Ahmad was entrusted with the responsibility of guarding US President George Bush’s daughter during her visit to the UAE, and also singer Beyoncé Knowles during her Dubai concert.

Mariam, who joined Dubai Police in 2005, said she likes the challenge. "I insisted on joining the team as I wanted an interesting professional life. Every day an assignment is a new adventure. It gives us a sense of challenge."

One of the perks of her job involves overseas travel. "I get to see more of the world as part of my assignment. I have visited Switzerland, Paris, Sudan and Bahrain in a short span of time."

The road to becoming a supercop, however, was not easy. "I sustained injuries when my bike went off-balance during training.

"There is no difference between our motorcycles and those used by our male counterparts. And we were not given any special treatment either by the training officer. We were treated the same way as the male trainees. When we fell, they didn’t help us lift the bike. That made us tougher." Mariam loves guarding shai-khas. "I feel proud to be around them."

So what has been the most difficult task?

"Guarding Benazir Bhutto during her last visit to Dubai. I felt the tension. We expected the worst, including an attack or assassination attempt. What happened when she went home was sad."

Mariam is learning German (she speaks Arabic and English). "I’d like to learn Chinese too," she said.

 Naima Jamal Al tashkri, 21

Naima Jamal Al Tashkri joined Dubai Police two years ago.

Being the youngest daughter of a retired policeman (her sister is also a policewoman), Naima did not face any resistance from the family when she wanted to join the force. "My family encouraged me to join the police and they are eager to see me succeed in this job." She knows she is up against the old notions on gender roles.

"Many believe this job is dangerous and suits only men. But this will not deter me from doing my job. I did fall down from the bike, had bruises on my body. But I’ve learned from those bruises.

"I love my job. I will respond to any duty call any time. Even if my dream man asks me to leave my job, I shall not."

Daily routine

• 5am: Wake up
• 6am: Start of sports activity, light breakfast
• 7.30am: Shower and breakfast
• 9am: Start classes
• 1pm: Duty finishes

Though trained to be tough, these female cops also learn some softer skills.

They are trained to qualify for an International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL).

They attend lectures on criminology, science, politics and religious instruction.

And they are also serious weight-watchers.

A daily fitness routine or sports activity for a minimum of two hours is required, with a focus on running. They also take lessons in karate, kung fu and boxing.

What they do

• Protect VIPs
• Be available for events, conferences, exhibitions
• Qualifications: Graduate of the Basic Police Course from the Dubai Police Academy. Special training in VIP protection, marksmanship, rappelling, fighting skills, crowd management or anti-riot, boxing, karate and tae kwon do
• Their number (currently six) will be increased as the need arises. Dubai Police are currently training the next all-female team which will be added to the VIP protection unit 

Bikes

• Police motorcycle: Yamaha 1200 cc
• Suzuki Sports 1,000 cc

The Team spirit

The first all-women quick response team is the brainchild of Brigadier Mohammad Eid Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department of Protective Security and Emergency Department of Dubai Police.

"They are the pioneers – the first such team in our department. Their job is to protect VIPs in Dubai. We are proud of this well-trained female team that can be assembled at a short notice to protect female VIPs round-the-clock. They work hand-in-hand with their male counterparts."

According to Brigadier Al Mansouri, the number of all-women quick response teams will increase. "We’re concentrating on Emiratis. We’re trying to spread security education in schools among the younger generation to encourage them to step in and face challenging jobs such as this. Old notions about women’s role have changed in the country. Women can be found in different fields today," he said.

"These women have been chosen due to their desire, courage, fitness and enthusiasm for the job. The female cops are dedicated to accompanying well-known figures and stars who visit Dubai or the ruling family members abroad," Brigadier Al Mansouri added.