How Dubai Police use sports, community events to cut crime, build trust
Over the past three years, the force has hosted more than 900 events, bringing together residents from 37 nationalities through sports, cultural programmes, and educational workshops. It's all part of a unique initiative called 'Positive Spirit' which aims to foster trust, connection, and cooperation between police and the communities they serve.
Launched in 2019, the initiative takes a 'soft force' approach to policing — using engagement and inclusion, rather than enforcement, to tackle crime at its roots.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Fatima Buhajeer, chairperson of the Positive Spirit Council, said the initiative is about more than events; it's about creating lasting bonds. 'By bringing people together, we create safer environments through trust, collaboration, and a shared sense of responsibility,' she told Khaleej Times during the 'Positive Spirit' press conference on Tuesday (July 15).
Between 2022 and 2024, Positive Spirit organised 933 events, including 289 sports programmes, 241 community gatherings, and 292 workshops and lectures. More than 6,600 volunteers took part — helping to spread awareness about police services and strengthen neighbourhood ties.
The initiative has grown into a key pillar of Dubai Police's preventive policing strategy. Rather than just reacting to crime, it focuses on preventing it by addressing factors like social isolation and mistrust in law enforcement.
'Our preventive strategy is not just about deploying officers, but empowering the community to be part of the safety system,' Buhajeer added.
A safer Dubai
The strategy appears to be working. According to Numbeo's 2025 global safety index, the UAE is now ranked the second safest country in the world, climbing from fourth place last year.
Dubai Police also reported a 25 per cent drop in serious crimes in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Overall crime fell by nearly 50 per cent in 2023, pointing to the effectiveness of community-based programmes like Positive Spirit.
Buhajeer explained how the initiative has helped build a more cohesive and secure society by encouraging positive behaviour, raising awareness about police services, and increasing community involvement in crime prevention.
'This is not just about promoting happiness, it's about creating safer communities by building trust and engagement between residents and the police,' Buhajeer said.
Reaching every corner of the city
One of the initiative's biggest successes is how it reaches segments of the population that don't typically engage with law enforcement — including seniors, children, and residents from diverse cultural backgrounds.
By building those connections, officials say the programme has improved communication and reporting between communities and local police stations, especially in residential areas.
'We've seen stronger ties and greater trust, which translates into more cooperation and ultimately, a safer Dubai,' Buhajeer said.
So far, Positive Spirit content has drawn nearly 18 million online views, and the initiative has been recognised with 15 awards, including one from the International Association of Chiefs of Police for excellence in community policing.
According to the Council, public satisfaction with the initiative stands at 98.9 percent.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
11 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Former Sharjah expat killed in UK bike crash to be repatriated ahead of funeral
The mortal remains of an Indian youngster who died in a London accident will be buried in the UAE on Thursday. 'We are grateful to the government of Sharjah and the UAE embassy in London for helping us expedite the process of bringing Jefferson's body here,' his father Justin told Khaleej Times. 'His funeral will be held in Sharjah on Thursday morning. We would like to keep the service extremely private with only close family and friends in attendance. We are grateful to everyone who prayed for us.' It was on July 25 that 27-year-old Jefferson Justin died when a bike he was riding skid and crashed into a wall. The incident happened when Jefferson was trying to negotiate a turn on the way back from work to his house. 'We have been trying to get the paperwork sorted and it finally came through today,' social worker Ashraf Thamarassery said. 'Jefferson's body will be flown to the UAE on a flight early tomorrow morning. His funeral will be held at the Sharjah Cremation center in Juwaza tomorrow itself.' The middle child of three brothers, Jefferson grew up in Sharjah. All of them completed their schooling at the Emirates National School in Sharjah. The family has been living in the UAE for over three decades. Earlier, his brother Juvin Justin had shared that Jefferson loved Sharjah and visited his family every year. 'He loved being here and was planning to come back to settle here sooner or later,' said Juvin.
The National
14 hours ago
- The National
Dubai Police foil scam offering 70 per cent discounts on traffic fines
Dubai Police have arrested suspects over a scam offering fake discounts of up to 70 per cent on traffic fines. The group lured victims by offering the discounts in fraudulent advertisements on social media platforms, police allege. The scammers then used stolen credit and debit card data to pay off the fines in full, and charged the victims the 'discounted' rate in cash. 'They were meeting the victims personally, collecting the money in cash and paying the full amount of traffic fines using the stolen cards,' said Dubai Police in a statement. 'They illegally obtained the discounted amounts after the victim received confirmation of completing the payment.' The force did not specify the number of suspects, their nationalities or the number of victims. 'It is a double crime combining stealing bank details and financial fraud,' the police spokesperson said. Police said if someone is aware stolen credit cards are being used to pay their fines, they are also committing a crime. Stay vigilant Officials at the anti-fraud section of Dubai's CID warned the public to stay alert and not be deceived by similar fake promotions. 'There are official channels to pay the traffic fines. Unverified offers of discounts [are] a crime punishable by the law in the UAE,' said the spokesperson. Last month, Emirates airline said it was suspending its social media advertising to protect customers from the growing nuisance of online scams. The Dubai-based carrier said it acted in response to 'fraudulent advertisements currently circulating across social media platforms' that claim to be from Emirates. The company warned that cybercriminals were impersonating its official website by using branded visuals, unauthorised trademarks and links closely resembling those belonging to Emirates. Such phishing scams are created to lure customers into paying out for tickets, sharing personal information or following malicious links. Emirates said it is working with social media platforms to have the fraudulent advertising removed.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
15 hours ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
New fines and ways to pay in Abu Dhabi: All the recent rules
If you find yourself doing something careless while driving, parking or throwing out your rubbish in Abu Dhabi, there could be a fine out there with your name on it. But don't panic – we've rounded up the latest laws, limits and updates (breathe, some are optimistic) so you don't end up forking out your entire year's rent—or more—after one moment of breaking the rules. Here's your no-fuss, full-drama rundown of what's new (and what could cost you a fortune) on the streets of the capital. Run a red light? That'll be Dh50,000 Abu Dhabi has had enough of drivers playing around at intersections. The government has reminded drivers who run a red light that they could be waving goodbye to more than their no-claims bonus. Under Law No. 5 of 2020, you'll get: A Dh50,000 fine 30-day vehicle impoundment 12 black points And if your car isn't claimed in 3 months it will be sent to auction Throw in jail time if the violation causes a fatal accident – especially if you were texting, racing, or just driving recklessly. Time Out Tip: Amber means slow down, not floor it. Hit and run? That'll be Dh100,000 New UAE-wide traffic laws just dropped – and they are not playing around. If you're in an accident and think you can just scoot off quietly? Think again. Drivers now have just three hours to report an accident (big or small). Fail to do that and you're looking at: Up to one year in jail A fine of Dh50,000 to Dh100,000 Or both And no, you can't just roll into your neighbourhood garage – you need an official repair permit first. Valid excuses include actual injury or no mobile signal, but you'll need receipts (i.e. medical reports and witness statements). You can now pay fines early and save Good news for the mildly irresponsible among us: Abu Dhabi Police are now rewarding early birds with a 35 percent discount on traffic fines if you pay within 60 days. If you miss that you can still snag 25 percent off if you settle within a year. And yes, there are digital payment options, instalment plans and app-based solutions – so no, you don't need to queue anywhere. If you've spotted the campaign on petrol station screens recently, that's Abu Dhabi Police giving you a gentle nudge while you refill your tank and regret yesterday's U-turn. TAMM app now accepts appeals for certain fines Abu Dhabi's fines don't stop at the highway. If you've been pinged for improper waste disposal, dodgy landscaping, or letting your villa look like a haunted house – you can now appeal directly through the Tamm app. Here's the deal: You have one week to appeal It's free, fast and paperless You'll need to prove you fixed the issue Inspectors will check if you're bluffing. If you are? That fine could double So, stay in your lane – literally and legally. Abu Dhabi is all about smart cities, safer roads and way less nonsense. So whether you're in a Bentley or a battered Yaris, the rules are the same: report it, pay it, or fix it – or risk your car becoming government property. You might also like… Abu Dhabi's best restaurants 2025: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted 12 fantastic road trips across the GCC Fill up the tank and go Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus: How to travel between the two cities Everything you need to know, from getting a Nol card to bus timetables Old Abu Dhabi: 15 best spots to uncover the history of the capital Peel back the layers of time
