The UAE is a country that is admired for its diversity, modern cities, economic success, and rich cultural heritage. However, it also faces an unsettling and pressing concern of sexual harassment. Despite developments in multiple areas, this issue constantly endangers the safety, dignity, and rights of multiple individuals throughout the country.
Although obtaining statistics is challenging due to the issue being underreported, there is evidence from several studies indicating that sexual harassment exists across various settings, workplaces, public spaces, educational institutions, and even online platforms. Women endure an unequal burden, experiencing unwelcome advances, inappropriate comments, and even physical assaults.
The persistence of sexual harassment in the UAE can be attributed to a handful of factors, surrounding cultural norms, gender stereotypes, and power imbalances. Traditional beliefs that rank male dominance and female subservience mistakably adopt an environment where harassment increases, often going unaddressed. Furthermore, the rapid social and economic changes in the country may create conflicts between conservative standards and modern attitudes, leading to uncertainty about what constitutes acceptable behavior.
In recent years, the UAE has taken steps to address sexual harassment through its legislation. Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2021, criminalizes sexual harassment and outlines the penalties for the wrongdoers. The law recognizes that everyone has the right to a safe and respectful environment. While these legal advancements are creditable, implementation and enforcement remain serious challenges. Many victims still hesitate to come forward due to a fear of social humiliation, victim-blaming, or a lack of faith in the justice system.
