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This all-women Dubai Police SWAT team means business

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An all-women Emiratis SWAT team exercises during a training drill. Reuters

From crossing obstacle courses, fast roping, to sniper shooting, members of Dubai Police all-women SWAT team can do it all.

Wearing their all-black uniform and protection gear, the Emirati team of 11 have been training on SWAT drills on a daily basis since the team was formed in September last year.

Expected to knock down doors and rescue hostages, the SWAT team’s training is focused on increasing their fitness level and shooting.

“Members of the raid and special operations teams have high and accurate shooting skills, as well as great fitness so they are ready for either an actual field operation or competitions,” first lieutenant at Dubai Police, Yasser al Zarouni said.

Nevertheless, the journey has not been easy, with many weary of women engaging in such a field of work.

 

“When I first told my parents that I would join the SWAT team, my mother was against the idea, she was very scared, especially as it requires speed, accuracy and shooting, but I was able to convince and prove to her that I am up to the position I am in,” SWAT team member, lieutenant Latifa al-Salman said.

Stretching themselves both physically and mentally, team members say their journey has been rewarding.

“What changed in me is that I have more confidence and I feel like I can do anything, if you want me to climb down a tower, I can, or climb up Burj Khalifa, I am ready. I have more confidence now,” al-Salman added.

Taking a deep breath and holding on tight to her rope, sergeant Sheikha Ali Abdullah, takes a leap during her fast-roping training session.

Having joined Dubai Police 7 years ago, she encourages other women to do so.

“It changes one’s personality a lot and makes them more committed, it also develops them and pushes them to face their challenges and fears,” Abdullah said.

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Dubai’s flamingo paradise closes for major Dh650-million makeover

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Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Dubai’s hidden gems and a haven for birdwatchers, has temporarily closed to make way for a stunning new upgrade, part of a Dh650-million development project set to transform the wetlands into a world-class eco-destination.

More Water, More Wildlife

The first phase of the redevelopment is already underway, with completion expected by the end of next year. It includes a massive 144% expansion of water bodies, boosting their total size to 74 hectares.

Alongside this, 10 hectares of new mudflats will be added, essential feeding grounds for migratory birds, supporting marine biodiversity and rare plant life.

Nature Gets a Boost

Phase two will focus on enhancing native vegetation and creating improved wildlife habitats to attract even more bird species. Visitor facilities are also set for an upgrade, giving nature lovers a better, more immersive experience.

The sanctuary is already known for its iconic pink flamingos in winter, as well as osprey, grey herons, and black-winged stilts. The reserve is fully fenced, offering safety for wildlife and serenity for guests.

Eco-Friendly Vision

Once complete, the new sanctuary is expected to increase carbon dioxide absorption by 60 per cent, giving a powerful green boost to Dubai’s environment.

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Skip the flight, catch the ferry: Pakistan–Oman set to launch sea service

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Pakistan and Oman are moving closer to launching a direct ferry service between Gwadar and the Sultanate, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance trade, and build regional connectivity.

The developments came during a high-level meeting on Thursday between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and the Ambassador of Oman to Pakistan, Fahad bin Sulaiman bin Khalaf Al Kharusi.

Maritime Trade in Focus

Both sides reaffirmed their deep-rooted diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties and discussed plans to accelerate cooperation in the maritime sector. Minister Chaudhry highlighted that Pakistan’s exports to Oman via sea ports reached $224 million in 2024, but stressed the potential to significantly increase this figure through joint initiatives.

Gwadar-Oman Ferry Could Unlock Billions

A major highlight of the meeting was the proposal to launch a direct ferry service from Gwadar to Oman, which Chaudhry said could unlock $10–15 billion annually for Pakistan through trade expansion, transit revenue, and investment inflows.

Potential New Ferry Routes

  • Based on current and past plans, potential ferry routes from Pakistan include:
    • Karachi to Gwadar
    • Gwadar to Muscat (Oman)
    • Karachi to Muscat (Oman)
    • Karachi to Chabahar (Iran)
    • Gwadar to Chabahar (Iran)
    • International excursion tours
    • Local city operation within Karachi 
    • Past Sea Routes that Were Proposed
  • There have been past discussions and reports about ferry services between Pakistan and other regions but they have yet to become a reality:
    • Dubai-Karachi Ferry Service: A luxury ferry service between Karachi and Dubai was approved in 2006, with Gulf Dream Cruise being the first operator. This service was planned to take two days and cost $549 for a round trip. However, the feasibility of a regular ferry service for fast passenger transfers was questioned due to the affordability of flights.
    • India-Dubai: The Indian government had granted permission for the launch of a cruise ferry service connecting Kerala and Dubai in 2023. The ferry service operating on the Beypur-Kochi-Dubai route, would prvide connectivity between Dubai and Kochi, within just three days and enable expats in the UAE to carry 10 times more luggage and travel at a lower cost than airlines. The ticket was expected to cost at around Dh450.
    • Iran Ferry Service: There was a plan to launch a ferry service between Karachi/Gwadar and Chabahar in Iran, primarily to facilitate pilgrims and offer a safer alternative to road travel.

Maritime Training & Human Capital Development

Chaudhry also proposed offering specialised training and scholarships for Omani students at the Pakistan Marine Academy, which is being upgraded to university status. The goal: to foster long-term maritime collaboration and build shared human capital in marine sciences and navigation.

Strong Cultural Ties and Diaspora Links

Ambassador Al Kharusi welcomed the proposals and highlighted the strong cultural connections between the two nations. He noted that Urdu remains widely spoken and understood in Oman, reflecting historic social bonds, and praised the Pakistani community’s role in Oman’s development.

The ambassador also backed greater B2B (business-to-business) engagements to unlock new trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.

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Bangladeshi electrician wins Dh25 million in Abu Dhabi Big Ticket Draw

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A Bangladeshi expat living in the UAE has won the Dh25 million grand prize in Big Ticket’s latest draw held on Thursday, July 3.

Mohammed Naser Balal, a 43-year-old electrician who has lived in the UAE for 14 years, took home the life-changing amount after his ticket 061080 was announced as the winning number in Big Ticket Draw No. 276.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Balal shared: “I’ve been buying tickets every single month for the past 12 years, always dreaming I’d win. Today, that dream came true.”

Balal, who purchased the ticket with five friends, plans to split the prize with them and build a home for his family in Bangladesh.

Indian Family Wins Nissan Patrol

In the same draw, an Indian family from Kerala won a Nissan Patrol. Geethammal and her son, now based in Dubai, were overjoyed as the ticket, purchased under her husband’s name, secured them the luxury car. Her husband has been living in the UAE for 30 years and was the first in the family

What’s Next in Big Ticket’s July Promotion?

  • Dh20 million grand prize up for grabs in the August 3 live draw
  • Weekly e-draws every Thursday in July, offering Dh50,000 to four winners
  • Buy 2, Get 1/2/3 Free ticket bundles (online & at airport counters)
  • Luxury car draws: Range Rover Velar (Aug 3) and BMW M440i (Sep 3)
  • Big Win Contest: Buy 2+ tickets between July 1–24 to enter and win between Dh20,000 and Dh150,000 at the live draw

Tickets can be purchased at www.bigticket.ae, Zayed International Airport, or Al Ain Airport.

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