(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

Dubai Police are leaning into community engagement as part of a wider effort to boost safety and reduce crime .

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.

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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.

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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.

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