Expats Reassured UAE Police Visits Are Only For Census Purposes

Expats living in Sharjah are being asked not to worry if police knock on their doors as it’s all part of a local census.

Due to kick off in August, the two-week census will take place across the UAE city in an attempt to determine residents’ attitudes to safety and security in the local community. Starting on August 15th, the poll will be carried out by local police officers on behalf of Dubai’s Department of Statistics and Community Development. Over 5,000 expats and Emiratis are expected to be contacted, and can choose between a telephone interview and filling out a detailed questionnaire. The forms will be tri-lingual, using the three most popular languages of Arabic, English and Urdu.

According to Shaikh Mohammad bin Humaid, the emirate is proud of the fact that Sharjah police have allowed the department to carry out the survey using modern, scientific statistical methods ensuring the study’s accuracy in representing the emirate’s diverse society. Results of a 2015 census have revealed some 1.4 million people living in the emirate, with 1.2 million expats and 175,432 Emiratis. Sharjah Police’s commander in chief told local media he is keen to reach beyond the expectations of all residents and citizens in order to fulfil their aspirations.

The purpose of the survey is to examine government services with a view to improving them where possible in order to benefit the needs of both the local and expat populations. Community interaction is a big part of the plan, especially in the field of services provided by the emirate’s police force. A previous survey identifying the safest and happiest areas in the city was conducted in a similar manner during 2017, using cooperation between local police and the Department of Districts and Villages.