#United Arab Emirates #Dubai #Dubai Police #Youth Programs #Hemaya Center

Dubai's Innovative Approach to Summer Breaks

In Dubai, summer vacations are not merely seen as a time for students to take a break from studies. Instead, they have become a vibrant platform for prevention, discipline, and positive youth development. This transformation stems from initiatives led by the Hemaya International Centre, a branch of the Dubai Police. This year, the center saw an impressive participation of 1,402 students from 31 different countries, raising the total number of graduates since 2018 to 10,792 students from 175 countries.

A Vision of Safer, Resilient Generations

This initiative aligns with Dubai's broader vision of fostering a secure, resilient, and future-ready society. Generalmajor Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, the Chief of Dubai Police, highlighted that the program reflects a commitment to societal protection by equipping youth with the knowledge, values, and life skills necessary to become responsible community members. Through continuing initiatives from the Hemaya International Centre, there is a push to promote community awareness, instill national values, and encourage productive use of summer vacations while preparing students for future challenges.

Impact Beyond Summer Programs

The initiatives from the Hemaya International Centre have made a lasting impact that expands far beyond the summer program. Over the years from 2018 to 2026, the centre has reached a staggering 905,976 students, engaging 629,396 parents and 8,650 teachers across 271 public and private schools. Notably, over 102.16 million beneficiaries have been part of their digital awareness campaigns and community initiatives. In the same period, the centre has conducted 1,981 educational lectures, organized 788 student activities, hosted 103 awareness exhibitions, and facilitated 76 interactive competitions.

Achieving Measurable Outcomes

The results of this preventative approach have been significant. Surveys indicate a commendable 96.9% improvement in student behavior as reported by parents. Furthermore, the satisfaction rate among students who participated in the summer program stood at an impressive 95.3%.

An Immersive Learning Experience

Spanning 29 days, the innovative program comprised 174 training hours that integrated military training, sports, first aid, road safety, school security, leadership activities, educational workshops, and field trips. Each of these components was designed to instill confidence, accountability, and a sense of community engagement among students.

Collaborative Efforts for Success

The program's success is underpinned by extensive strategic partnerships with various UAE institutions, including the Ministry of Education (MoE), Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and several key emergency services. This collaborative effort ensures that the program not only serves educational objectives but also reaches wider goals of community safety and resilience.

As Dubai continues to innovate and lead in youth development strategies, the Hemaya International Centre stands as a formidable example of how summer breaks can be reimagined to foster growth, safety, and responsibility among younger generations.