Security is paramount to the stability of a nation and economic development. Taniguchi (2014) defines safety as “keeping oneself and others free from harm or danger” (p. 312). It is a fundamental principle that promotes urban development. Security influences the interactions between authorities, businesses, and citizens. There is no happiness and trust without safety. Security is significant to people as it enables them to enjoy a quality life. Moreover, it would be difficult for individuals to engage in productive activities in an insecure environment. One of the reasons why many people have invested in Abu Dhabi is the high level of security in the city. Investors are guaranteed of preservation of their assets and revenues. As per Savitch (2015), safety influences social life. A dangerous environment results in deaths and injuries that contribute to psychological distress in friends and families. It is difficult for families to raise children in an insecure neighborhood. Parents cannot allow kids to interact with their neighbors due to fear that they might be recruited into criminal gangs. Such a situation discourages socialization, resulting in families living in isolation.
The economic development and prosperity of a city are pegged on security. Investors prefer operating in secure towns as they are assured of constant revenue generation. Safety has contributed to the economic development and prosperity of Abu Dhabi. Tourists are not afraid of visiting the city because they are assured of their security (Aisen & Veiga, 2013). The visitors that come to the town contribute to the rise in government revenue, which assists in the provision of social services. Chen and Fang (2013) state that safety has led to an increase in the number of multinational corporations that operate in Abu Dhabi. In return, the organizations have created employment opportunities for the locals, boosting their income.
The government, society, and individuals must maintain security. The government hasduty to provide safety by investing in the state-of-the-art technology to facilitate investigation and apprehension of criminals. In Abu Dhabi, the government has installed security systems that enable law enforcement officers to track and arrest offenders (Myers et al., 2013). Nevertheless, there is the need to invest in a sophisticated anti-terrorism unit to avert potential terror attacks emanating from Islamic State and other terrorist groups. One of the mistakes that many people commit is relying on the law enforcement agencies for their safety. It is imperative to appreciate that every person must maintain their security and that of others. In Abu Dhabi, individuals have to understand the established safety protocols. It is advisable to have a security action plan because it is helpful in the case of emergency (Savitch, 2015). Being alert to one’s surrounding and notifying the security personnel of any suspicious activities or individuals can help to curb crimes in Abu Dhabi.
Collaboration between the public and security agencies can assist in maintaining peace in Abu Dhabi. The public is advised to be vigilant and to report any security breach to police. In Abu Dhabi, the government has installed an electronic system that enables the public to liaise with the law enforcement agencies whenever they have safety concerns. Studies show that terror groups recruit youths and individuals who are desperate for money (Savitch, 2015). In Abu Dhabi, the public has to establish programs meant to assist individuals who are prone to joining criminal organizations.
References
Aisen, A., & Veiga, F. (2013). How does political instability affect economic growth? European Journal of Political Economy, 29(1), 151-167.
Chen, H., & Fang, I. (2013). Migration, social security, and economic growth. Economic Modelling, 32(1), 386-399.
Myers, S., Branas, C., French, B., Nance, M., Kallan, M., Wiebe, D., & Carr, B. (2013). Safety in numbers: Are major cities the safest places in the United States? Annals of Emergency Medicine: An International Journal, 62(4), 408-418.
Savitch, H. (2015). Cities in a time of terror: Space, territory, and local resilience. New York, NY: Routledge.
Taniguchi, E. (2014). Concepts of city logistics for sustainable and liveable cities. Procedia – Social and behavioral Sciences, 151(1), 310-317.