The underworld
Feature article

     The Dubai underworld. Which includes drugs, prostitution, and black market. However, in this post I’m focusing only on the drug dealing aspect of it. It is astonishing and overwhelming to me because of its secretive and terrifying qualities. It is like a hidden secret; even the media does not reveal that much about it, in order not to destroy the image of Dubai. Yet, the search of the truth and the adventure that comes along with it has always been my mission to accomplish. 


Although gangsters and thugs do exist all over the world, but in my opinion in Dubai they add their own flavor. First of, they all come from different backgrounds so it’s a mixture of different nationalities. They’re not in the stereotype category of gangsters that are represented to us on TV. A drug dealer, whom deals in one of Dubai’s famous areas said, "Because of my experience and growing up with it and seeing people struggle to get thru life, DONT JUDGE on what you really don't know until your a part of it and get to see for yourself!"After having a talk with him I felt that maybe the expensive luxurious life in Dubai pushed him to take the wrong path to fit inn. Yet, it’s not forgivable to be a part of causing damages to other people’s lives. 


A response to that a member of the Dubai CID said, "The Dubai police are aware of what they are facing and are dealing with it perfectly so far and were able to bust many drug dealers." He also mentioned that Dubai is a big target for drug dealers due to the different nationalities living in Dubai. He continued by saying, "everything is under control and its little numbers of individuals that are dealing and we have our eyes on them." 


This topic is considered a taboo in Dubai, which is why I wanted to know if the people in Dubai know about this phenomenal. Therefore, I researched different perspectives of locals who were born and raised here but from different social classes, I wanted to know their opinion about this topic.


A local Emirati that comes from a middle class family said, "Dubai is a safe city so dealing drugs in Dubai will cause major problems and people might not feel safe living here anymore." In my opinion I agree, one of the reasons why most of the people are living in Dubai because it is known to be one of the safest cities in the world so the drug industry would have a major impact if it kept on growing. 


I also wanted to get a perspective from a Sheikh in Dubai. Who we particularly don’t see them around mingling with people often, many of them have their own private lives far from the citizens. He said, "the government of Dubai is keen to activate; management awareness and prevention that will educate young people of these dangerous phenomena and sensitize them of the seriousness of drugs" as well he emphasized the danger of drugs and the damage that it may cause the community in general and in particular families. As we all know, this topic is considered a taboo in Dubai, which is why the identity of my interviewers is anonymous! 


In conclusion, I wrote this post to raise awareness about the drugs industry in Dubai and how it’s growing rapidly. "A total of 588 drug dealers were arrested in a total of 410 narcotics cases, according to a report in Emirates 24/7." I think people in Dubai have the right to know about what is going on around them especially about something that dangerous, which might be harmful to them or to their loved ones.