It is constantly on everybody's mind, yet it is a topic everyone tries to avoid and preferably not talk about publicly. It is also the most frequently asked question by visitors as well as the citizens and residents of the UAE.

How did the UAE avoid the waves of violence and terrorist attacks that are the norm throughout the Arab region? How come such an open society which accommodates more than 180 different nationalities stands out as the exception to the rule? And for how long will it remain the amicable oasis of stability that it has become?

The general atmosphere of security, tranquility and the exceptional stability prevailing in the UAE is nothing but amazing. Considering that it is an Arab and Islamic country and being part and parcel of the most turbulent region in the world, the UAE is also the most open and prosperous in addition to being the safest place in the Middle East and North Africa region.

All the other states have had their own share of violence and experienced one form of terrorism or another except for this one place that is turning out to be an oddity.

Not a day goes by without a violent happening in the immediate neighbourhood. Recently, it has suddenly erupted like an active volcano in Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine.

Extremists and jihadists are all over us with no place to hide. Al Qaida and its remnants are once again active and playing havoc throughout the Arab world.

Yet luckily there is absolutely no trace of extremism, fundamentalism or any of kind of social and political unrest in the UAE. It is the one happy and quiet place with plenty of economic prosperity and social tranquility.

In search of a clue, some could not find a better answer than pure luck: The UAE has been miraculously lucky. Of course, luck is hugely important and there is always a need for a big dose of good luck in nearly everything in life.

Indeed the UAE has always been graciously lucky on many fronts: its economic prosperity, its vis-ionary leadership, its extremely friendly local population and the apolitical expatriate community.

Better place

But good luck is just a silly answer to such a serious and complex issue. Probably a better place to start with is the history and political culture of the UAE. This is after all a country that has no history of violence.

Extremism and radical tendencies are alien to the history and the political culture of the people of the UAE. The citizens of this country are known for their moderation, tolerance and openness to the outside world. There is no room for free radicals here and the UAE is not the place that breeds or attracts fundamentalists of any sort.

Cultural and historical factors aside, the economic prosperity and the abundance of social freedom come to cement the political tranquility of the UAE.

The focus of the people in the UAE has always been solely on economics and not on politics. Everybody is here to enjoy the prosperity and make the best out of the many business opportunities available to all.

Socially and economically the UAE is a very attractive and convenient venue to escape regional crises. It is probably in no one's interest to tamper with this bounty.

Rationally speaking even the bad and the ugly guys should have no reason to rock the boat. The UAE is the only safe haven in the region to accommodate all those who want to do business of the legitimate kind.

If the rational actor model is not a good enough reason, the UAE's political neutrality has been decisive in keeping it visibly safe. The UAE has always adhered to a foreign policy that has proven to be politically correct.

All the antagonistic parties appreciate its generosity, strict neutrality and want to reciprocate by being a friend of the UAE. This is one country that hardly has an enemy.

The politically neutral foreign policy has served this country extremely well and it is paying off in terms of keeping the extremists and jihadists at bay.

Being politically correct is important but being vigilant is essential to maintaining security and stability. More than anything else, it is fundamentally the outstanding police work that is keeping the UAE the exceptional model in a region full of bad guys.

You hardly see them or feel them but the police are all over the place. Their eyes are wide open. They have done a superb job of keeping the bad and the ugly ones off limit.

Whatever the real reason, keeping the UAE safe is a massive responsibility. If luck has something to do with it, then let us cross our fingers and hope it will last.

But if it is more than good luck then a deep appreciation of the factors is in order. The UAE has been generous and welcoming to everyone. It is time for all to reciprocate in kind.

Dr Abdul Khaleq Abdullah is a professor of political science at UAE University, Al Ain.