P 151214Z JAN 09
FM AMCONSUL DUBAI
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6345
INFO AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI PRIORITY 
AMCONSUL DUBAI

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