Dubai’s Police: Economic Backbone Through Safety

The Economic Driving Force of Public Safety: Dubai Police May Have Contributed Over 100 Billion Dirhams to the Economy

Dubai has long been associated with safety, stability, and efficient governance, but a recent study substantiates this perception with numbers, highlighting the profound economic impact of the city's low crime rate. According to a comprehensive analysis conducted by the global consultancy firm EY in conjunction with the Dubai Police, public safety is not just a social achievement but also one of the most crucial elements driving the emirate's economy.

The report states that Dubai's declining crime rate alone supported the local economy by between 63.9 billion and 102.3 billion dirhams in 2024. This accounts for 14–23 percent of the total economic output, an exceptionally high ratio, especially for a global city whose economic activities range from real estate to tourism, trade, and technology sectors.

Safety as an Economic Catalyst

The central insight of the study is that public safety not only enhances well-being but directly impacts the city's economic performance. A well-functioning, technologically advanced, and reliable police force not only deters criminals but also strengthens the confidence of residents and tourists. This widespread trust makes Dubai an ideal choice not only as a place to live but also as a business and investment destination.

Based on EY's analysis, the Dubai Police as an institution contributes annually between 31.8 and 50.9 billion dirhams to the gross domestic product (GDP), representing 7–11 percent of the total economic performance. This is particularly noteworthy in light of a public safety organization achieving such a high direct economic contribution.

Tourism and Business Confidence

The study details how safety transforms the tourism sector as well. Dubai hosts between 7 and 12 million visitors annually, and 4–6 million tourists choose the emirate specifically due to the exceptional sense of security. This means that 19–33 percent of tourists select their destination thanks to the public safety maintained by the Dubai Police.

Besides tourism, the impact on foreign direct investments (FDI) is also significant. According to the study, Dubai’s safe business environment attracted an additional 3.6–5.8 billion dirhams of investment in 2024. Of this, 1.8–2.9 billion dirhams specifically arose from public safety, which represents 1–2 percent of Dubai's total FDI inflows.

Methodology and Global Comparison

The EY study not only analyzed local data but also considered the economic and public safety indicators of 50 countries between 1995 and 2021. The econometric methods applied allowed for accurate estimations of the direct and indirect economic impacts, positioning the study not only as a local overview but also placing Dubai in a global context.

The conclusion is clear: public safety is not just a social goal but an economic resource that facilitates growth, investments, and societal satisfaction through a multiplier effect.

The Evolution of the Dubai Police

The history of the police is closely linked to Dubai's modernization. It was established in 1956, more than a decade and a half before the formation of the United Arab Emirates. Initially operating from the historic Naif fort, it moved to its current headquarters in 1973. Since then, it has become one of the most innovative law enforcement agencies in the region, leading in artificial intelligence, data-driven crime prevention, and smart city technologies.

The police were pioneers in employing numerous advanced measures to curb crime, and today they integrate technologies such as autonomous patrol cars, drone surveillance, and predictive analytics models.

Improved Quality of Life, Increased Trust

The study highlights that public safety is reflected not only in economic indicators but also in the everyday quality of life of the population. Community trust, a calm environment, and low crime rates contribute to making Dubai one of the world's most popular cities for settling, working, and starting businesses.

Thus, the activities of the police go beyond traditional crime prevention—they play an active role in economic development, urban policy, city marketing, and even building an international image.

Summary

Dubai's example clearly shows that public safety is not just a cost but an investment that pays off manifold. According to the study, the work of the police not only serves to make the city safer but also directly contributes to Dubai's economic success, tourism, and investment attractiveness.

The leadership of the emirate has long recognized that stability, predictability, and legal certainty are values that not only serve the interests of citizens and residents but also make Dubai attractive on a global level as a modern, livable, and future-oriented city. Within this model, the police are not merely a public service entity but one of the most important pillars of the emirate's economic ecosystem.

(Source: Based on a study by the global consultancy firm EY.) img_alt: United Arab Emirates, Dubai Police.