Since the early days of the Islamic state, the “Assas” were known as night guards and travelers of the darkness, who stayed awake to ensure the safety and comfort of the people. Their name derives from the verb “assa,” meaning to patrol at night, sensing news and checking on people’s conditions. They formed the first nucleus of the police before their roles evolved and modern security institutions were built upon them. The Assas system began during the reign of Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may God be pleased with him, who personally went out at night to inspect the subjects, earning him the title “the first Assas in Islam.”

Many stories are told about his justice and wisdom, including one where he heard a child crying in a woman’s house. When he asked her the reason, she replied that she was weaning him to benefit from the treasury’s gifts. Umar immediately ordered the rule to be amended, saying, “Woe to you, Umar, how many Muslim children have you killed!” These early incidents laid the foundation for the idea of “compassionate security,” combining strictness with humanity.

During the Umayyad and Abbasid eras, the Assas transformed into an organized security apparatus led by the “Sahib al-Assas,” assisted by men carrying torches and swords, patrolling the alleys at night. Their duties extended beyond apprehending criminals to protecting markets and monitoring merchants and travelers. They were the guardians of the night and the support of society.

One amusing anecdote from literary books tells of an Assas in Baghdad who stopped a poet walking at night and asked, “What brought you out at this hour?” The poet replied, “I am searching for a rhyme that escaped me!” The Assas laughed and said, “Go back home; maybe it will find you there!” This joke reveals the human side of a profession that requires much patience and vigilance.

Today, looking at our present, we see that the police institutions in the United Arab Emirates, especially Dubai Police, have inherited the spirit of these early Assas but have developed it with the latest artificial intelligence technologies and smart surveillance systems. Patrols no longer carry torches but thermal cameras and drones. Yet, the goal remains the same: for people to sleep safely. The police leadership also pays special attention to caring for security personnel, motivating them, and annually honoring distinguished members in recognition of their vital role in maintaining order and continuing the civilized approach to security.

The history of the Assas is not just a tale from the past but an authentic root of the contemporary security tree in the Arab world. The UAE today represents a bright extension of that noble heritage.