Police are responsible for our safety and wellbeing – leading other police officers is a big responsibility, and one that is increasingly being taken on by GCC women. One of those bold women is Lieutenant Colonel Hanan Al Salimi, who has become the first woman to lead the Oman Police Rescue Department.
But it didn’t happen overnight. She went through specialized training to nab the department’s top spot, which she had been eyeing from a distance. The department itself is relatively new – it started in Muscat and has been expanded to the whole country but of its success.
The rescue department helps with security issues, but usually focuses on large events like nationwide celebrations including Ramadan and other occasions. They also have a role in keeping the country’s traffic flowing smoothly. Al Salimi will definitely have her hands full.
“I feel happy and proud to hold this position, which shows the trust of the police command in Omani policewomen," she said in an interview with Times of Oman.
She also noted the significance of her taking the leadership position. Al Salimi will be in charge of a crew of trained officers, likely a mixed gender group, as male and female officers work side by side to protect the country.
Her recent promotion is part of a larger trend – in January, the Royal Oman Police placed Lieutenant Colonel Shaikha Bint Ahour Al Hambasiyah as the first female head of a police station.
“Omani women are hardworking and ambitious. They occupy the top positions in the country, thanks to the support of Omani officials,” Al Salimi told Times of Oman.
Women like Al Hambasiyah and Al Salimi make that very clear. These women are going to keep the streets of Oman clean, so troublemakers had better watch out!
