The UAE has always prided itself with providing security at par with global standards. Earlier this year, studies released at the 12th International Symposium for Police Best Practices—a global platform for gathering knowledge and practices on different aspects of modern policing—have shown that the country ranked first on the global security index, with a staggering 96.1 percent of residents saying they feel safe to walk outdoors at night.
The same study also showed that the country ranked second only to New York City in terms of police response time to incidents.
Such confidence in security is also evident in many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) living and residing in the UAE. Over the years, the country has maintained its position of being the preferred destination for OFWs to work and live in. The UAE’s tolerant society has led almost 1 million Filipinos to follow their beliefs and reach their dreams in a peaceful and safe environment—free from any type of discrimination that is sometimes missing from other countries.
This triumph would not have been possible if it weren’t for the police and the residents helping UAE become a better place. According to Salma Mohammed R. Almarri of the Dubai Police’s General Community of Dubai Happiness, the police is doing everything it can to maintain peace and security in the UAE, especially in Dubai, with over 3.1 million inhabitants. However, it is also the duty of the nationals and residents—including Filipinos—to contribute in securing harmony in the nation.
But not everyone is confident enough to come forward and raise their concerns, no matter how big or small they may be, for fear of their own safety. A reason why Dubai Police has launched Al Ameen Service.
What is Al Ameen Service?
Officially launched in September 2003, Al Ameen Service allows Dubai residents to communicate and air their security concerns with authorities in a safe and confidential manner. According to its website, Al Ameen “encourages a mutual participation of nationals and residents to maintain security and stability in the society as well as provides a safe and active communication channel.”
By calling toll free number 8004888, residents can help beef up security in Dubai, as well as be confident to speak out without fear.
The best part about this service is that its electronic system channelizes calls, which treats every complaint with utmost confidentiality.
“If you see and hear something, or if you know of someone who wants to commit crimes, and you want to raise it but you’re afraid of getting into trouble, just call the number,” said Lt. Almarri. “We will help you, but help us as well.”
Al Ameen Service: from confidentiality to availability
Aside from ensuring total confidentiality, Al Ameen also guarantees that callers will not have any legal accountability for conveying information. The service also treats all calls with earnestness, which means that no matter how small or trivial your concern may be (whether it’s about traffic, or a gut feeling about someone, or an intuition that a danger will take place), the police will treat it as a serious matter and will act on it accordingly.
In addition, some of the outstanding features of Al Ameen Service include 24/7 accessibility, availability in Arabic and English languages, as well as easy communication options (you can either call or message the number).
Of expats’ gratitude for security
Lt. Almarri said that Dubai Police wants to provide safety, security, and happiness to make every expat feel that the UAE is their home.
“We are trying to make people feel safe and secure. We are trying to make you feel it because if you feel safe and secure, you will stay here. But if there are crimes, do you feel that this is your home and country? Of course not. We are also trying our best to make you happy, that is why we are coming up with services to provide it for you, like Al Ameen,” she said.
Tolerance at the Forefront
At the “Forum on Tolerance and Co-Existence in the United Arab Emirates” held at the grounds of Philippine Consulate General in Dubai last December 26, Sailesh Nathan, a businessman and an active member of King’s Revival Church, said that the UAE’s commitment to tolerance is the main reason they rank high in safety.
“The UAE’s tolerant society welcomes with open arms around 252 nationalities, making it easy and flexible for everyone to follow their beliefs and reach their dreams. Each Emirati also shows expats how they can be a family, a partner, and a friend. Lastly, the next generation of Emiratis and expat children also take forward the spirit to love and learn how to live in harmony,” he said.
He added that all nationals from all ages see the safety and flexibility that UAE provides.
“I have a daughter who is around 11 years old. She told me that she wants to go to school by metro. I asked her why she wants to ride the metro since she is just 11. She answered, ‘Dad, you can see that police is everywhere.’ If a kid is comfortable to ride the metro, it means that the flow of safety and love in the UAE is evident,” he said.
What Filipinos feel
During the Forum, Lt. Almarri said that Filipinos should take advantage of Al Ameen Service, as well as the other services that Dubai Police offers, because it will also benefit them. “We have a lot of services but a lot of Filipinos are not familiar with it, like Al Ameen. You should all take advantage of it,” she said.
Some OFWs said that such service will make them feel a lot safer not just in simply living, but also in conveying information about crime and security in Dubai.
According to Maricel Bartolome, a waitress in Dubai, she was not familiar with Al Ameen before, but now that she knows about it, she will make use of it to be more helpful to society in the future.
“Hindi ko alam na may ganito palang service ang Dubai Police. Mas madali na para sa akin na magreklamo o magsabi kung may maramdaman man akong hindi magandang mangyayari kasi alam ko na hindi ako mapapahamak,” she said.
Anton Plasabas, who is working as a research assistant, said that Al Ameen service will encourage many OFWs to come forward, especially those who are afraid the report might get back to them.
“Sa totoo lang, kahit gusto ng karamihan tumulong at tumawag, hindi nila magawa kasi baka malaman na sa kanila galing ‘yong tawag, tapos sila pa sa huli ang mapahamak. Dito sa Al Ameen, madaling maging confident kasi assured ka na hindi babalik sa’yo kung ano man ang ireklamo mo,” he said.
While Al Ameen Service will make many Filipinos a lot safer, most OFWs already feel secure and happy to be living in the UAE. According to a quick survey conducted by The Filipino Times, the happiness index of the Filipino community in the UAE is very high, as it has reached an average of more than 80% over the past years, which is much more than the average rate of happiness of Filipino communities in other countries.
“Personally, I believe that there is no other country in the world that combines such unique tolerance with equality and justice, without any kind of discrimination. Tolerance has been one of the main pillars on which the UAE has been built since its establishment. The government is keen to convert tolerance into a lifestyle,” said The Filipino Times General Manager Vince Ang.
