Dubai authorities have intensified efforts to protect women from domestic violence through a comprehensive awareness campaign titled ‘Speak Out’. The initiative, launched in alignment with the UAE’s designation of 2026 as the Year of the Family, emphasizes legal protections available under Federal Decree Law No. 10 of 2019, which criminalizes all forms of domestic abuse while providing comprehensive legal, social and psychological support to victims.
The campaign represents a collaborative effort between the General Department of Human Rights and the General Department of Community Happiness. It combines digital outreach through social media platforms with on-ground educational programs to inform women about available protection mechanisms and support services. Authorities have highlighted multiple channels for assistance, including the Women Protection Service accessible via the Dubai Police smart app and website, general inquiry hotline 901, and emergency number 999.
Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Ali Muhammad Almatrooshi, Director of the Child and Women Protection Department, stated that the initiative reflects Dubai Police’s commitment to human rights protection with particular focus on women’s safety. The campaign aims to build institutional trust, encourage reporting without fear of reprisal, and ensure discreet responses that prioritize privacy throughout the process. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Al Huwaidi, Director of the Security Awareness Department, emphasized the critical importance of rejecting silence in abuse cases, noting that early intervention significantly reduces long-term psychological and social harm.
The initiative frames protection from domestic violence as both a shared social responsibility and a fundamental pillar of family stability and community security, representing the UAE’s ongoing commitment to creating safe environments for all residents.