A New Era of Leadership for Dubai’s Safety Force
Dubai has turned a new page in its commitment to public safety, with the appointment of Rashid Al Matrooshi as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Civil Defence. Known for his unshakable dedication, deep expertise, and long-standing service to the nation, Rashid steps into this powerful role with a clear vision, strong leadership, and a lifetime of experience to guide him.
His appointment has not only been welcomed with enthusiasm but is also viewed as a strategic move to enhance Dubai’s capabilities in managing emergencies and protecting lives. At a time when the city is rapidly evolving into one of the world’s most futuristic urban hubs, this appointment signals Dubai’s seriousness about ensuring its civil defence remains second to none.
An Experienced Leader With a Strong Legacy
Rashid Al Matrooshi is not a stranger to the corridors of Dubai Civil Defence. In fact, his name has long been associated with safety, rescue, and national service. For decades, he has been at the heart of major operations, policy decisions, and groundbreaking safety reforms in the emirate.
His ability to lead from the front and take action in high-pressure situations has earned him the respect of his team and the wider community. Under his leadership, the civil defence force is expected to step into a new era of modernisation and readiness, ready to face the unique challenges of a smart and ever-growing metropolis.
A Man Who Understands the People
What makes Rashid’s appointment special is not just his rank or title—it’s his connection with people on the ground. He has always been visible, involved, and ready to listen. From junior officers to senior stakeholders, he’s known as someone who pays attention, mentors others, and inspires those around him.
He’s walked through fire—sometimes literally—and stood side-by-side with his teams during difficult rescue missions. This authenticity has shaped him into a people-first leader, and that reputation is what many believe will set the tone for his tenure as Commander-in-Chief.
Stepping Into the Role With Purpose
Becoming the Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Civil Defence isn’t just a job—it’s a responsibility of national importance. Rashid has accepted this role with the humility of a servant-leader and the confidence of someone who knows what needs to be done.
In his own words, this is not about titles or achievements, but about safeguarding lives, protecting infrastructure, and strengthening public trust. With new threats emerging in the form of urbanisation, climate change, and digital disruption, the role of civil defence is more important than ever.
Rashid has already hinted at plans to enhance technological adoption, improve training standards, and create stronger coordination with other emergency response agencies. His goal is to build a highly responsive, agile, and intelligent civil defence system that matches the pace of Dubai’s growth.
From Engineer to Leader: A Journey of Grit and Growth
Rashid’s journey to the top has been marked by steady progress, relentless commitment, and a deep sense of duty. He started his career not as a high-ranking official, but as an engineer passionate about safety. Over the years, his vision, skills, and results-oriented approach led him to more challenging roles and broader responsibilities.
It wasn’t just technical excellence that shaped his path—it was also emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a constant desire to learn and grow. His rise through the ranks wasn’t just about being in the right place at the right time. It was about proving, again and again, that leadership is earned through service, not just appointed through authority.
His deep knowledge of fire safety systems, risk mitigation, emergency management, and infrastructure protection makes him uniquely qualified for this new chapter. But what makes his leadership more inspiring is his willingness to stay humble, focused, and grounded.
Transforming Civil Defence With Innovation and Empathy
Dubai’s future lies in becoming a smart, sustainable, and resilient city. Rashid’s leadership philosophy aligns perfectly with this vision. He’s not just talking about better equipment or faster vehicles—he’s talking about a human-centered system where technology and compassion work hand in hand.
One of the areas he is expected to focus on is mental health and well-being for first responders. Firefighters and civil defence teams go through some of the toughest situations, both physically and emotionally. Rashid has always believed that strong teams come from strong minds and hearts.
He is also a big believer in community engagement. From launching safety awareness programs in schools to developing mobile apps for emergency preparedness, he wants to bring civil defence closer to the everyday life of citizens and residents. In his vision, safety isn’t just the job of officials—it’s a shared responsibility.
The Road Ahead: Opportunities and Responsibilities
As Dubai continues to expand its skyline and infrastructure, the demands on the civil defence force will only grow. High-rise buildings, smart transportation systems, large public gatherings, and global events like COP28 all require a robust safety ecosystem.
With Rashid at the helm, there is strong confidence that Dubai will not only maintain its safety record but also set global benchmarks. He has already outlined his plans to enhance response times, build stronger data-based decision-making systems, and empower teams through continuous learning.
But Rashid knows that success doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from small, consistent improvements and a culture that encourages innovation and accountability. He’s keen to create that culture across the entire civil defence force.
A Leader of Action, Not Just Words
In an era where leadership often gets reduced to soundbites and ceremonies, Rashid stands out for his hands-on approach. He believes in being present, in showing up when it matters most. Whether it’s during flood emergencies, building fires, or citywide drills, he’s someone you can expect to see in uniform, not just behind a desk.
His leadership is about building trust—trust within teams, trust with the public, and trust in the system. That’s what truly defines a Commander-in-Chief in a city as ambitious as Dubai.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Civil Heroes
One of Rashid Al Matrooshi’s most inspiring goals is to invest in the future. He wants young Emiratis to see civil defence as more than just a job—it’s a noble mission. Through internships, educational partnerships, and career development initiatives, he aims to nurture the next generation of civil defence professionals.
He often says that the strength of an organisation lies not just in its equipment, but in its people. And for Dubai to become a world leader in safety and emergency response, it must continue to attract and retain passionate individuals who believe in the cause.
By leading with integrity, compassion, and vision, Rashid is sending a strong message to the youth: that leadership isn’t about commanding—it’s about caring, serving, and protecting what matters most.
A New Chapter Begins
With Rashid Al Matrooshi officially stepping into his new role, Dubai is not just appointing a leader—it’s embracing a bold vision for the future. His leadership marks a new chapter for the city’s civil defence story, one that is rooted in experience, driven by innovation, and inspired by the values of service and humanity.
As the Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Civil Defence, Rashid is ready to lead with courage, act with purpose, and uplift an entire community with his steady hand and unwavering heart. The city is watching, the teams are ready, and the future of civil protection in Dubai is in capable hands.
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