Maj. Gen. Expert Rashid Thani AL Matrooshi, director general of Dubai Civil Defense, has confirmed the importance of the initiative branded as “30 Minutes with a Leader” launched recently by Dubai Civil Defense Youth Council, with aim to bridge the gap between DCD’S generations, sharing accumulative experiences acquired, documenting knowledge in areas of specialty, and inspiring the youth by innovative ideas resulted from leaders’ experiences in different fields extended over 20 years, and finally enhance their role in DCD’S work.

First session carried the title “Innovation” was held with Col. Suleiman Abdullkarim AL Baloushi, director of Technical affairs department, who was chosen to the first (leader) to talk about his experience, in the presence of Civil Defense Youth Council representatives from across UAE. 

Col. Suleiman spoke at large at the session, which was attended by employees representing different functional categories at various sections and departments, about his experience, certificates and training, including Automobile Engineering Diploma, IT Diploma, and PET certificate, from Cambridge University in 1999, memberships and appointment as technical expert at Dubai Courts, ASME membership, RTA Gulf Specification Committee membership.

He also, told about awards accorded to him, encompass Dubai Government Excellence Program Award – ranked in first place, Innovative Leader Category 2016, Minister of Interior Award- ranked, first place in Best Supervisory Officer category 2018, Arab Ideas Award 2008– ranked in first place, Best Technological Idea, and ranked in second place in the same Award, financial guidance category, in addition to many other awards.

Session’s debate includes axis of innovation and creativity, constructive discussion led by participating youth and points raised, allowed them to come out with positive conclusions.

Suleiman urged each participants to set his own goals, map a clear path beefed with rational analysis and full of determination to face challenges and ultimately achieve such goals.

Stressing, success path never be paved with roses, but require ongoing and tireless efforts to be put forward at each stage to finally reach our grand goals.

Stating, he is still passion and aspire to accomplish more achievements and o success in his profession, each officer or employee should have a bet with himself to be among innovators and creative. 

In replying to the questions raised on how he managed to achieve such bright record of successful working march, crowned with awards and leading projects, Col. Emphasized that Dubai Civil Defense always support innovative and creative attempts by providing encouraging working environment, that reflect wise leadership directives, all achievements done by Technical affairs department in developing a number of fire engines, equipment, tools and apparatuses, such as designing  first of its kind tunnel fire engine in the region, which was awarded, best financial idea in Arab Innovation Ideas Award, early intervention vehicle, also awarded  a trophy in the same award  set good example for DCD’s support.

Audience expressed their satisfaction from what they gained from the session in terms of new information, knowledge, how to set innovative work plans.

MS Mithah Abdullaziz, from Government Communication department said, session explained clearly how to work for future, also learnt that determination is the key for achieving goals.

While 1St Warrant Officer Fahd Lakshari, from Human Resources department confirmed that, my information increased and came to know more, hoping to make use out of it in my work.

His colleague in the department, 1St Warrant Officer Nasser AL Suwaidi, referred to the practical method adopted by Col. Suleiman, has supported him while escalating career, urging others to follow the same to be innovative in his field.

Captain Taher Hassan, head of Companies Approval section, and at same time chairperson of Youth Council, praised Col. Suleiman successful record of accomplishments and his contribution in sharing it with Youth leaders, utilizing knowledge and information axis to encourage them achieve success in their profession life.

Launched initiative will help Youth to possess success tools, keys, and professional excellence, also encourage and prepare them to maintain development sustainability in the future, Taher Concluded.