Abu Dhabi: Security cameras will be installed in all subways in the city, Abu Dhabi Police said.
“We are working with authorities to ensure that all underpasses have CCTV cameras,” a police spokesperson told XPRESS.
“Abu Dhabi is a very safe city, but it is still wise to be vigilant when using the city’s underpasses. We advise all members of the public to trust their instincts and immediately report any suspicious activity or concerns to the police,” he said.
Several working women XPRESS spoke to said they are reluctant to use subways at night as they don’t find them safe. Instances of women being stalked by men are not uncommon.
Filipina Girlie Ciudad, 29, who works as a shop supervisor, said she thinks twice before using the subway on Muroor Road when she heads back home after a late night shift.
“There are invariably some people who’d follow you or just stare,” she said.
Meghna. N, a receptionist at a private company, said she took to her heels when two men approached her when she was alone in an underpass. “They were ahead of me. But when they realised I was alone, they turned back and started walking towards me. I got so terrified I ran out. After that incident I never use an underpass unless I am in a group,” said the mother of two from India.
Sales executive Shalini, 26, recounted a similar experience. “I could sense two men following me as I took a subway last week. It was not a comfortable feeling so I took out my cellphone and pretended to talk to a friend. It’s good to hear that they are planning to install CCTV cameras inside all subways. It will restore a lot of confidence among women.”
An Arab housewife said the CCTV cameras would act as a deterrent against crime.
Some women said they have become wary of underpasses after reading about the incidents of sexual assault of women in elevators.
‘Woman hunter’
An Egyptian man was recently convicted for assaulting women in buildings in Abu Dhabi. The 30-year-old-man who came to be known as a ‘woman hunter’ followed his victims into elevators, dragged them to building stairwells and raped them at knifepoint. The culprit was sentenced to 25 years in prison by the Abu Dhabi criminal court on March 11.
Following the shocking incident police have issued warnings cautioning women and children against using lifts alone at night.
