Abstract:
This thesis originated in the researcher's interest in mapping the effect on the internal
security of the UAE of the economic, political and social changes that have occurred
since federation in 1971, as well as exploring future threats to security. Having
worked in senior positions within the security field in the UAE for many years, the
researcher has experienced and studied these changes, and the many threats to
security which in some cases are only beginning to emerge clearly. The thesis sets out the historical background to the political, economic, social and
security development of the UAE. This is followed by an examination of the
reliability of the official criminal statistics in the UAE, and specifically whether they
provide an accurate picture of the state of security in the UAE. The thesis then
identifies the underlying threats to security in the UAE. The thesis examines the
concepts of internal security and social control, and explores the role of informal and
formal organisations with respect to social control. The thesis examines informal
and formal social control in the UAE and the changes that have occurred particularly
since Federation, and asks whether their positive contribution to the internal security
of the UAE is under threat. Several questions arise as to the role of the police - what
is that role, and is it changing? Are the police currently serving social needs, and how
might they he reformed and so operate more effectively in the field of crime control?
The thesis also asks whether the administrative system has a clear strategy for
dealing with the threats to security.
The conclusions and recommendations of this thesis specifically address solutions
designed to overcome the major threats to the security of the UAE, and to eliminate
obstacles' to the development of an effective crime control strategy in the UAE.
Proposals to remedy the shortcomings of the various law enforcement organisation's
are also advanced. All these recommendations are intended to ensure a safer society
in the UAE.
