UAE is still one of the safest places to live in but still, we need to learn a few top self-defense tips. Why? Because like any other country; some incidents are inevitable. To keep you safer wherever you go, including outside UAE, Dubai-based fitness guru Rania Gamal (remember pole dancing for fitness?” is back. This time she is sharing with us her five top self-defense tips and moves that every woman can use to protect herself if faced with various forms of harassment.

Says Rania: “We women are stronger than we think. We have smashed glass ceilings in different industries. We have pioneered some of the best inventions and most importantly, we can bear the pain and passion of delivering a child. And with this in mind, we can surely learn how to protect ourselves. It is our duty and responsibility.”

And here are Rania’s top self-defense tips …

Prevention Is the Best Self Defense

First, remember that prevention is one of the best top self-defense tips. Attackers, whatever their objectives, are looking for unsuspecting, vulnerable targets. So be sure to follow general safety tips like being aware of your surroundings. This includes only walking and parking in well-lit areas. Also keeping your keys on hand as you approach your door or car is of importance as well as varying your route and times of travel. Other personal security precautions are also important. Above all, remember your mother’s wise words… Stranger run!

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Let’s Get Loud

As soon as the attacker touches you or it’s clear that escape isn’t an option, shout loudly (“BACK OFF!”) and push back at him or her. As another one of the top self-defense tips, this does two things. It signals for help and it lets the attacker know you’re not an easy target. It may not dissuade all attackers, but getting loud will warn off those that were looking for easy prey. Immediately call your area’s emergency number (999 in Dubai) as they are always active 24/7 to help anyone in need.

Hit the Right Spots

When you’re in a confrontation, you only have a few seconds and a few moves to try before the fight is decided. Before an attacker has gained full control of you, you must do everything you can—conserving as much energy as possible—to inflict injury so you can get away. (This is no time to be civil. In a physical confrontation that calls for self-defense, it’s hurt or be hurt.) Aim for the parts of the body where you can do the most damage easily. These include the eyes, nose, ears, neck, groin, knee, or legs.

Maximize the Damage

Now here are the parts of the body used most effectively for inflicting damage: your elbows, knees, and head (they’re your body’s bony built-in weapons). Aside from that, use everyday objects. Everyday objects you carry around with you or things in your environment can also be used to your advantage as weapons. Hold a key or pen between your middle and ring finger while you’re walking home in the dark for more assurance. Outdoors, you can toss some dirt or sand into your attacker’s eyes. Women are often told to spray perfume or hairspray into an assailant’s eyes. The point is, use whatever you can to make your defense stronger.

Use Your Weight

No matter your size, weight, or strength in relation to your opponent, you can defend yourself by strategically using your body and the simple law of physics. This is the principle behind martial arts systems like Jujitsu and other self-defense programs where a smaller person is able to defeat a larger one.

I hope you never have to use these self-defense tips at one point in time, but it never hurts to know what to do if a creep accosts you. Stay safe and remember ‘who run the world!’

If you have any top self-defense tips to share, feel free to add them below.