ANNUAL OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL (OSAC) CRIME AND

UNCLAS DUBAI 000016


DEPT FOR DS/DSS/OSAC, DS/IP/ITA, DS/IP/NEA, ABU DHABI FOR RSO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AE ASEC
SUBJECT: ANNUAL OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL (OSAC) CRIME AND
SAFETY REPORT FOR 2008

REF: 08 STATE 132056



1. The following is US Consulate Dubai's OSAC Crime and Safety
Report for 2008:


2. Overall Crime and Safety Situation:
The actual crime rate in Dubai is difficult to determine due to
lack of transparency on the part of host government with regards
to crime statistics and related information. Dubai continues to
be rated at a Medium threat level for crime. RSO believes the
crime rate is generally comparable to or less than that found in
most cities of similar size around the globe. Justification for
the Medium rating is derived largely from open source reporting
and incidental reporting from Dubai RSO official contacts, OSAC
constituents, staff and other members of the community. RSO
Dubai believes that the majority of crime is centered in high
concentrations of low income temporary laborers originating from
India, Pakistan, the Philippines and other nations. These
laborers or customer service specialists comprise the majority
of inhabitants and account for over 80 percent of the population
by some accounts. The majority of crimes attributable to this
group consist of petty thefts, and increasingly, reported
incidents of sexual harassment (committed primarily by males).

Host government takes pains to nurture an image of safety and
security. The resulting feeling of relative safety may cause
western expatriates to take fewer precautions than they might in
their cities of origin. This in turn may lead to increased
incidences of crimes of opportunity arising from vehicles,
homes, or offices left unsecured.

In this reporting period there has been a measurable increase of
highly publicized white-collar crimes involving debit and credit
card fraud. This seems to be the work of organized crime
syndicates following the money trail leading to Dubai.
Additionally, there have been scattered uncorroborated reports
of counterfeit local currency (AED).

Violent criminal acts remain a rare occurrence in Dubai and are
typically centered in the expatriat community described above.
All criminal actions in this portion of the population resulting
in apprehensions are dealt with swiftly and harshly by host
government. Typically, expatriats are deported following
incarceration.

RSO Dubai views the greatest daily threat to be that of
vehicular accidents. Traffic accidents are frequent and common.
Serious collisions resulting in fatalities are increasingly
publicized in local media. One notable "pile-up" involving over
100 vehicles occurred on a major artery between Abu Dhabi and
Dubai and resulted in over forty fatalities. Excessive speed,
poor driving habits and occasionally diminished visibility due
to heavy fog are the usual cause of the more serious aQidents.
Adding to this is a policy of low-profile policing which uses
cameras versus police stops for even the most erratic or
dangerous drivers.


3. Political Violence:
There have been no instances of political violence in the past
year. Political demonstrations are rare and must be legally
permitted by host government authorities. However, there have
been a few instances of both legal and illegal (no permit
issued) peaceful demonstrations in Dubai and neighboring
Emirates, which are attributable to the ongoing conflict in Gaza
(beginning in late December 2008). The continuing possibility
of a terrorist attack against U.S. interests cannot be ruled out
given the UAE's proximity to countries of concern,Qimportance as
a major transit hub for regional travel, and the
large expatriate population resident in the country. Continued
threats from al-Qa'ida and similar terrorist groups directed
against U.S. interests worldwide require that Americans residing
or visiting in the region remain alert to security concerns,
including official and unofficial Americans residing in or
visiting the UAE. Americans should maintain a low profile and
vary routes, times and routines while in the UAE. As a general
security practice, Americans should keep their vehicles locked
at all times. When vehicles are left unattended, owners are
advised to conduct a thorough exterior and interior inspection
prior to entering a vehicle. The RSO recommends a clean interior
car policy; thefts are less likely when there are no personal
belongings visible.


4. Post-Specific Concerns:
Tensions within the greater Middle East remain and have the
potential to affect security in the UAE. With a large expatriate
population (well over a one million Indian nationals and close
to one million Pakistanis) there is at least the theoretical
possibility of reaction to events in these expatriates' home
countries. However, the South Asian community in the UAE has
been generally docile, law-abiding, and disinclined to do
anything that would risk arrest, deportation, and loss of
employment. The UAE continues to advance its national drug
strategy, including Dubai's zero-tolerance approach that has
seen the arrest and trial of many USCs for carrying minute
quantities of banned substances, usually followed by a prison
sentence of several years. The UAE continues to intensify
security at airports, land routes, seaports and coastline
patrols. A barrier along the Omani border was constructed in an
effort to stop or slow the flow of illegal drugs into the UAE.


5. Police Response:
The Dubai emergency response system 999 is for police, medical
emergencies and fire emergencies. English-speaking operators
are usually available. When seeking emergency assistance,
callers should provide the operator/dispatcher with a detailed
description of the location and the type of emergency. Many
streets in Dubai are identified by a number and letter
combination (Ex.: 13 D). A recent initiative to change to
street names rather than street number systems has added to
confusion when giving directions. This problem is further
aggravated by vast ever-changing construction zones as Dubai
builds and updates its infrastructure. Identifying landmarks or
businesses near the residence or location is essential in
helping emergency personnel respond.

Police arriving in response to a report of a crime may not
always provide the same level of service as in the Untied
States. Most police officers below the rank of Warrant Officer
are from the expatriate community and are hesitant to make
independent decisions. These officers wear green uniforms and
have limited education. Those above the rank of Warrant Officer
are Emirati and many have studied in Europe or the U.S. These
officers wear tan/khaki uniforms. In matters of life and death,
police cannot be relied upon to risk injury or death to
intercede in a possible life-threatening situation. Decisions
concerning anything other than routine matters will be delegated
to an Emirati police supervisor. English fluency is rare for
expatriate officers and English speakers are generally assigned
to the Criminal Investigation Division. When dialing the police
department it is advisable for a non-Arabic speaker to speak to
an English-speaking officer. Dubai Police HQ and Emergency
dispatch do have a variety of language capabilities to reflect
the significant population of the expatriate community. Should
an American Citizen dial 911 during an emergency, the call will
still be connected to Dubai Police and Emergency services. Many
international emergency phone numbers have been captured and
added to Dubai's emergency call-in network with the
understanding that in an emergency people tend to rely on "old"
habits.

Investigative resources and sophisticated equipment are
available to assist investigators. The police use fingerprint
and iris scan technology, creating a national registry for
expatriates living and working in the UAE. Local police will
only conduct name and record checks if the individual presents
himself/herself at the police station and has fingerprints
taken. Police will not provide data with only name and date of
birth. This investigative process is now applicable throughout
the UAE. Americans detained or arrested are advised to notify
the Mission's Consular section; please see below for the
Consular phone numbers.


6. Medical Emergencies:
For treatment of major life-threatening emergencies such as
heart attack, stroke, major trauma (road accidents) or serious
bleeding go to the Rashid Hospital Emergency and Trauma Center
(04 337-4000) on Oud Metha Rd. By law, all motor vehicle
accident victims are to be taken to Rashid Hospital.

For pediatric and OB/GYN non-traumatic medical emergencies, go
to the Al Wasl Hospital (324-1111) on Oud Metha Rd. or American
Hospital (336-7777) located opposite Movenpick Hotel. The
patient's OB/GYN should also be contacted.

Call 999 if you need ambulance transport. Ambulances are modern
(most produced in the U.S.),manned by trained paramedics and
equipped with life-saving equipment and will transport you to
the hospital you request or to Rashid Hospital Emergency and
Trauma Center if you are in a motor vehicle accident. Due to
lack of street addresses and construction in Dubai, directions
need to be given to your location based upon prominent landmarks
(directions to your home should be prepared and kept by the
telephone). Do not end an emergency telephone call until you are
certain that the directions are clearly understood. If the
residence is difficult to find, advise the 999 operator that you
will meet the ambulance at a nearby landmark, if possible.
Heavy traffic may also impede the ability of emergency medical
services to respond in a timely manner. Use of a personally
owned vehicle for transport to a hospital should be a
consideration. Therefore, it is important to familiarize
oneself with the quickest routes to emergency facilities
throughout the city.

For non-life threatening emergencies or routine consultations,
there are several private medical centers and medical providers
available. It is strongly advised that all personnel identify
and select a primary care physician and a pediatrician if
required. Making this selection will enable staff members to be
established and comfortable with doctor before a true emergency
arises.


7. Tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim:
As previously stated, the crime rate in Dubai is lower than or
comparable to other major metropolitan areas in the world.
Street crimes such as pick-pocketing and petty theft do occur,
although weapons are rarely used. It is important not to be
lulled into a false sense of security. While Dubai may in many
ways be western in its outlook, the local culture is
conservative and Americans should be careful not to offend local
(Islamic) sensibilities. Dress should be conservative and women
should avoid wearing shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless
attire. These rules for dress should be observed in tourist
areas as well in the city. Harassment of western females does
occasionally occur. Victims of harassment are encouraged to
report such incidents to the U.S. Consulate in Dubai. Teenage
and adult females should keep dress standards in mind when
walking outdoors, especially in the city. It is advisable for
women to travel in groups or pairs, particularly in hours of
darkness. Public displays of affection are discouraged and
could be considered a violation of local laws.
Practicing good security measures can reduce the risk of
becoming a victim. Please note the following:
- Vary routes and times
- Vary routines and places of activities
- Carry your cell phone and keep it where it is available. Do
not use the phone while driving
- Know where the nearest police station is
- Have numbers pre-programmed such as the emergency numbers
previously mentioned
- Always keep your vehicle windows closed and doors locked. Do
not leave valuables in plain view
- Control the keys to your residence. If you give your key to
domestic staff, maintain control of the key for the secondary
lock
- If you can, always let someone know when you are out, where
you will be and where you can be reached
- Leave lights on when away from home and be sure to lock your
doors and windows
- Discourage children from answering the door or gate bell. Do
not open the door or gate until you have unidentified the
visitor. Domestic staff and dependents should be instructed to
do the same and to report any unusual activity that has occurred
in your absence
- If you will be away from home for any length of time, have a
friend check on your home - Women should travel in groups, if
traveling in remote areas, especially after dark
- Inspect your home periodically to identify vulnerabilities or
inoperative security features
- Women should travel in pairs or groups particularly in hours
of darkness
- If someone approaches you claiming to be a police officer, ask
for identification and be vigilant
- If you feel as though you are being followed, do not drive
home; go to a safe area such as a police station or public area
such as a shopping mall. Make noise and drawn attention to
yourself to ward off a suspicious person(s). Try to get a
license plate number as well as description of the vehicle. When
out, take note where you might go if you are followed or what
you might do if cornered or confronted. Playing the "what if"
game could save your life and will give you something to do
while sitting in traffic.
- Use caution when riding in taxicabs. Do not sit in the front
seat and do not engage in idle conversation. (Being too friendly
with a taxi driver may cause him to misunderstand your
intentions.) Tell the driver where you want to go and leave the
conversation at that. Dubai law requires the taxicab to use the
meter. If the driver refuses, do not get into the taxi or get
out if already inside. If there are any incidents, taxicabs have
the drivers name and number posted on the back of the driver or
passenger seat. Please note that the color of the taxicab's roof
indicate a specific company. Most cabs in Dubai are tan except
for the roofs which can very from red, blue, green, yellow and
pink (Female drivers only, in respect of female passengers.)
Obtain the information and call the police and report the
incident.


8. For Further Information:
The American Consulate in Dubai is located on the 20th and 21st
Floor of the Dubai World Trade Center on Sheikh Zayed Road, in
Dubai. The main Consulate phone number is 971-4-311-6000. As
Dubai does not have a Marine Security Detachment, the number to
the Marine Security Guard located (Post 1) in Abu Dhabi is
971-2-414-2500. The Consulate is open for business Sunday -
Thursday from 0830 to 1700. The Consulate is closed on UAE and
U.S. holidays.

As the U.S. Department of State continuQ to develop information
on any potential security threats to American overseas, it
shares credible threat information through travel warnings and
public announcements, available on the internet at HYPERLINK
"http://www.travel.state.gov"www.travel.state .gov
. In addition to information on
the internet, travelers can hear recorded information by calling
the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 202-647-5225 from
their touch tone phone. The U.S. Consulate also sends updated
information regarding security threats via the Warden system to
registered Americans within its consular district. RSO
encourages American visitors to register with the U.S. Consulate
Consular Section at HYPERLINK
"https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs.Pl ease"https://t
ravelregistration.state.gov/ibrs
.

Please note additional information for the Consulate Consular
section:
For Consular/American Citizen Services: 971-4-311-6213 (1230 to
1500, Sunday - Thursday).
For Non-Immigrant Visa questions: 971-4-311-6000 (Sundays,
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 1500-1600; also Mondays
1000-1600). The U.S. Consulate General in Dubai recommends
correspondence by e-mail at dubaivisaenquiry@state.gov.
UAE Country Councils operate both in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. For
more information, contact the Regional Security Office
(971-4-311-6000) or OSAC's Washington office.


GAVITO