By Desmond Nleya
DUBAI: Dubai Police, through the General Department of Human Rights and the Future Foresight Centre, has organised a scenario-building simulation workshop focused on the future of women’s protection by the year 2033. The initiative supports the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and aims to strengthen protection systems while advancing women’s empowerment programmes.
The workshop explored potential challenges and opportunities expected in the coming years, shaping forward-looking pathways to improve women’s protection. It also focused on developing adaptive models that respond to social, technological, and legal transformations — enabling the design of more effective policies and programmes to safeguard women and enhance their empowerment at all levels.
Lieutenant Colonel Omar Khalifa Al Obaidah Al Suwaidi, Deputy Director of the Future Foresight Centre, emphasised that future foresight is a vital pillar in enhancing security efforts. He explained that it enables Dubai Police to anticipate challenges, seize opportunities, and remain fully prepared for future developments.
“Protecting women remains a top priority within Dubai Police’s security framework,” he said. “We must stay ahead of change, creating proactive services and initiatives that guarantee protection, uphold women’s rights against all forms of violence and discrimination, and advance our strategic vision of community safety and happiness.”
Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Ali Al Matroushi, Director of the Child and Women Protection Department, highlighted that future foresight and scenario planning are key to strengthening protection and empowerment systems. “Women’s protection is not just a security issue,” he noted. “It is closely linked to quality of life and sustainable social development. In a rapidly evolving world, our ability to anticipate and prepare is fundamental to building a safe and fair future for all.”
Supporting this view, Fatima Al Alili, Director of Future Scenarios, underscored the value of scenario-based planning as an effective tool for envisioning different futures and improving institutional readiness to make proactive decisions in response to rapid changes.
Participants examined several possible future scenarios for advancing women’s protection and discussed building community partnerships to ensure a safe, sustainable environment for women.
This initiative reflects Dubai Police’s commitment to proactive and innovative strategies aligned with the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 and Dubai Social Agenda 33. It underscores the organisation’s determination to strengthen protection systems for those most in need, contributing to a safer and more cohesive society.
