Liberty versus security. It is one of the most discussed dichotomies in the world. People need both liberty and security, but often there has to be a trade-off. Since the start of 2020, the question of liberty and security came into sharp focus because of Covid-19. The need to stay healthy, and to keep communities safe, has meant giving up a number of freedoms, including the freedom of movement at various junctures. While the majority of people have accepted wearing a mask when in public, a small but vocal minority refused based on an argument that their freedom would be curtailed. However, the collective safety and freedom from Covid-19 are more important than the perception of freedom by a small minority.
Undoubtedly, how liberty or security is defined varies from person to person and from country to country. According to Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, security comes under both the most essential of “physiological” needs, such as shelter, and the second level of needs under “safety”. When Maslow first introduced the concept of a hierarchy of needs for all people in 1943, he named his paper “A Theory of Human Motivation”. The hierarchy ultimately reaches “self-actualisation”, which includes seeking liberty of choice. However, according to Maslow, the need for basic sustenance, security, love and self-esteem comes first.
Maslow’s “hierarchy of needs” is a useful prism to assess what motivates people, particularly in deciding where they choose to live and work. This is especially true for those who are fortunate enough to have the freedom to choose where to live or work – or both.
Freedom, usually of expression or political activity, is one that is often too lacking in the Middle East. And despite the many similarities that bind the region, each country has different levels of freedom – and security. War-torn countries are obviously at a different juncture than those that live in peace. One defining difference is how women are treated – and the freedoms that they enjoy.
Last week, Georgetown University published its “Women Peace and Security Index”, which is one of the most comprehensive reports of its type. The report ranks countries and the status of women in that country, using a whole host of criteria and indices. Unsurprisingly, the UAE ranked as the highest Arab country by far, ranking 24th globally out of 170 countries measured. And the UAE does not just stand out in the region, but globally also. It comes in higher than countries such as Israel, Italy, Japan and others. The next Arab country on the list is Bahrain, ranked at 97. Sadly, the last five countries are Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, Syria and Afghanistan. This is a very worrying sign for the region and Muslim-majority countries. All of them are either in a state of war or are impacted by it.
It is important to take note of the UAE’s ranking. The country is no stranger to being rated competitively on the world stage – including being the fourth-best country to live and work in, according to this year’s HSBC Annual Expat Explorer Study. However, the Georgetown University report, published with support from the PRIO Centre on Gender Peace and Security, is of particular significance. The UAE has stood out in the Arab world as a place where women enjoy freedom, security and opportunities hard to match elsewhere, and the evidence is clear. The UAE ranked as the safest country in the world for women according to the report. It scored 98.5 per cent on community safety, the highest score globally. Community safety can be measured in a number of ways; it includes the freedom to dress as a woman pleases, the freedom to drive and walk in safety and the freedom to go about everyday life without the fears that too many women in too many societies and communities feel.
It is the result of years of dedication, hard work and a rejection of complacency
The Georgetown WPS index charts three main indicators of inclusion, justice and security. Inclusion encompasses education, financial inclusion, employment, mobile phone use and parliamentary representation. The UAE’s women enjoy 50 per cent representation in the FNC, and 100 per cent cell phone use – however financial inclusion is at 76.4 per cent. That is above average for many countries, but can be improved. The next indicator is of justice, where the absence of legal discrimination, the "son bias" and "discriminatory norms" are measured. The UAE leads the region and many other countries on these indicators in its aggregate score. And in security, it leads globally.
These are important barometers of progress and are the result of hard work and decision-making aimed at securing a woman’s place in society, at home and at work.
On a personal note, I have been lucky enough to have lived in seven countries and visited over 45 others, and I have found no place safer as a woman than the UAE. And yet, sadly, my country of origin, Iraq, tails behind with some of the worst indicators globally. After being the home of the first female judge and minister in the Arab world, back in the 1950s, Iraq now has the lowest scores for employment – with only 10 per cent – and community safety. The difference between the two countries is one more reminder that the successes of a nation must never be taken for granted, and that it is the result of years of dedication, hard work and a rejection of complacency.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Zayed Sustainability Prize
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
THE BIO
Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain
Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude
Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE
Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally
Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science
Brief scores:
Manchester United 4
Young 13', Mata 28', Lukaku 42', Rashford 82'
Fulham 1
Kamara 67' (pen),
Red card: Anguissa (68')
Man of the match: Juan Mata (Man Utd)
MATCH INFO
Manchester United 1 (Greenwood 77')
Everton 1 (Lindelof 36' og)
The specs
Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 180hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 250Nm at 3,00rpm
Transmission: 5-speed sequential auto
Price: From Dh139,995
On sale: now
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
THE%20HOLDOVERS
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More coverage from the Future Forum
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh122,745
On sale: now
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
If you go...
Etihad flies daily from Abu Dhabi to Zurich, with fares starting from Dh2,807 return. Frequent high speed trains between Zurich and Vienna make stops at St. Anton.
RESULTS
Lightweight (female)
Sara El Bakkali bt Anisha Kadka
Bantamweight
Mohammed Adil Al Debi bt Moaz Abdelgawad
Welterweight
Amir Boureslan bt Mahmoud Zanouny
Featherweight
Mohammed Al Katheeri bt Abrorbek Madaminbekov
Super featherweight
Ibrahem Bilal bt Emad Arafa
Middleweight
Ahmed Abdolaziz bt Imad Essassi
Bantamweight (female)
Ilham Bourakkadi bt Milena Martinou
Welterweight
Mohamed Mardi bt Noureddine El Agouti
Middleweight
Nabil Ouach bt Ymad Atrous
Welterweight
Nouredine Samir bt Marlon Ribeiro
Super welterweight
Brad Stanton bt Mohamed El Boukhari
The specs
The specs: 2019 Audi Q8
Price, base: Dh315,000
Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 340hp @ 3,500rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 2,250rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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Company name: baraka
Started: July 2020
Founders: Feras Jalbout and Kunal Taneja
Based: Dubai and Bahrain
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: $150,000
Current staff: 12
Stage: Pre-seed capital raising of $1 million
Investors: Class 5 Global, FJ Labs, IMO Ventures, The Community Fund, VentureSouq, Fox Ventures, Dr Abdulla Elyas (private investment)
WITHIN%20SAND
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The five pillars of Islam
