Crime in the United Arab Emirates

The crime rate in the United Arab Emirates is relatively low^[1][2] compared to more highly industrialized nations.^[2] Incidents of petty crime like pickpocketing are low.^[1] The United States Department of State states: "Crime generally is not a problem for travelers in the UAE. However, the U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to take normal precautions against theft, such as not leaving a wallet, purse, or credit card unattended. Although vehicle break-ins in the UAE are rare, U.S. citizens are encouraged to ensure that unattended vehicles are locked and that valuables are not left out in plain sight".^[3]

Terrorism

The threat of a terrorist attack is a matter of concern. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Government of Australia advised travelers "to exercise a high degree of caution in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) because of the high threat of terrorist attack". The DFAT claimed they received reports of a terrorist plan to attack Western interests in the nation.^[1]

Cybercrime

Incidents of cybercrime are increasing. In 2002, there was a 300% rise in computer hacking within six months. According to experts, the United Arab Emirates is among the top ten countries which are most vulnerable to attack by hackers.^[4] White-collar crime includes embezzlement of funds, fraud and bribery.^[5]

Drugs

The UAE is a drug transshipment country for traffickers due to its proximity to Southwest Asian drug producing nations.^[6] Drug trafficking is a major form of crime in the UAE,^[7] and the nation has a zero tolerance policy towards illegal drug use. Possession of the smallest amount of illegal drugs is punishable by a minimum of four years' imprisonment.^[8]

Money laundering

The UAE is vulnerable to money laundering due to its position as a major commercial driver in the region.^[6] The UAE leadership has taken several measures for combating organized crime. A law was enacted in January 2002 for the purpose of curbing money laundering.^[7] However, despite government efforts to combat money laundering, regulation of banking is still developing.^[6]

Murder

According to the Interpol data, the murder rate in the UAE increased from 0.78 to 2.99 per 100,000 population between 1998 and 1999.^[2]

Human trafficking

Human trafficking is a problem which involves trafficking of young boys and women.^[2] Young boys are trafficked into the country for the purpose of being used as camel jockeys.^[2][9] There were many camel jockeys working in the UAE under inhumane conditions but these have now been replaced by robot jockeys. Most camel jockeys were found in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The country is in the process of eradicating this issue completely.

In 2009, there were 43 cases of human trafficking in the UAE, up from 20 cases in 2008.^[10]

Prostitution

Women are trafficked into the country for sexual exploitation. Women from Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Morocco, India, Pakistan, the People's Republic of China, the Philippines, Iraq and Iran are reportedly trafficked to the UAE.^[11] Porous borders and proximity to war-affected countries like Iraq increase the problem of human trafficking.^[12]

See also

• Law enforcement in the United Arab Emirates

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} United Arab Emirates Government of Australia, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
2. ^ ^{a b c d e} United Arab Emirates
3. ^ United Arab Emirates United States Department of State
4. ^ Lawrence M. Salinger (2004). Encyclopedia of white-collar & corporate crime. SAGE. pp. 44. ISBN 0761930043. 
5. ^ Lawrence M. Salinger (2004). Encyclopedia of white-collar & corporate crime. SAGE. pp. 45. ISBN 0761930043. 
6. ^ ^{a b c} United Arab Emirates The World Factbook
7. ^ ^{a b} Lawrence M. Salinger (2004). Encyclopedia of white-collar & corporate crime. SAGE. pp. 46. ISBN 0761930043. 
8. ^ United Arab Emirates Foreign and Commonwealth Office
9. ^ Richard Giulianotti, David McArdle (2006). Sport, Civil Liberties and Human Rights. Routledge. pp. 15. ISBN 0714653446. 
10. ^ "Human trafficking cases more than double". http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100510/NATIONAL/100519981/1010. Retrieved May 30, 2010. 
11. ^ Dubai declares war on human trafficking The Hindu
12. ^ Fight human trafficking Gulf News

External links

• Database on the black markets in the United Arab Emirates