Emirati Official Elected as First Female Representative on Interpol's Asian Executive Committee

UAE Breaks Gender Barriers as First Woman Joins Interpol's Asia Committee

Major Alia Al Kaabi has secured a seat on Interpol's Asia committee with 53% of the vote, marking a historic milestone as the first woman to represent this influential regional security body. The achievement underscores the UAE's growing influence in international law enforcement while advancing gender representation in global security leadership.

A Strategic Victory for UAE's Security Diplomacy

Al Kaabi's election represents more than symbolic progress—it positions the UAE at the center of Asia-Pacific security coordination at a time when the region faces mounting challenges from cybercrime, financial fraud, and transnational organized crime. Her appointment comes as Interpol intensifies efforts to combat cryptocurrency-related crimes and cross-border financial violations, areas where the UAE has developed significant expertise.

Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, emphasized the broader implications of this achievement. "Emirati women have proven their competence across various fields, and today they register a qualitative presence in one of the world's most important security platforms," he stated on social media platform X.

Breaking the Glass Ceiling in International Security

Al Kaabi's victory is particularly significant given the traditionally male-dominated nature of international law enforcement. Her election reflects a broader trend of Middle Eastern nations asserting greater influence in global security governance, following similar moves by Saudi Arabia and Qatar to expand their roles in international organizations.

The 53% vote margin suggests strong regional confidence in the UAE's security capabilities, likely influenced by the country's track record in financial crime prevention and its role as a regional hub for international cooperation. This mirrors Singapore's successful positioning as a trusted security partner in Southeast Asia.

Implications for Regional Security Cooperation

The appointment comes at a crucial time for Asia-Pacific security cooperation. With cryptocurrency crimes surging across the region and new forms of digital fraud emerging, Interpol's Asia committee faces unprecedented challenges requiring innovative approaches and enhanced international coordination.

Al Kaabi's background in UAE law enforcement—a force that has pioneered artificial intelligence applications in crime prevention and developed sophisticated anti-money laundering frameworks—positions her to contribute meaningfully to these evolving challenges. The UAE's experience in regulating digital assets and combating financial crimes provides valuable expertise for regional security initiatives.

Broader Context of UAE's Global Ambitions

This achievement aligns with the UAE's broader strategy of securing influential positions in international organizations, from the UN Security Council to various specialized agencies. The country has systematically built its soft power through strategic appointments while investing heavily in security infrastructure and expertise.

For regional partners, Al Kaabi's appointment signals the UAE's commitment to multilateral security cooperation rather than purely bilateral arrangements. This approach could strengthen information sharing and operational coordination across Asia's diverse security landscape, potentially improving outcomes in combating transnational crime networks that exploit jurisdictional gaps.