What are the precautions a wife needs to take before requesting divorce?

I'm a Zimbabwean woman married to a Nigerian man for 5 years. We have been living in Dubai for a little over a year.

I would like to divorce my husband as there are extreme irreconcilable issues. We have a son who is 4 years old with special needs. I'm a stay at home mum and have dedicated my every being in raising him since he was born.

I would like advice as to how to proceed with a divorce in the UAE. My husband is a man with a short and sometimes violent temper. If I file for divorce and still live with him I fear for what would happen.

Is it against the law to leave with my son to a safe place (a friend's place/rent a place temporarily) as soon as I have filed?

I have no intention of denying the father access to his son, every son needs his father, despite our differences. I just want to avoid a messy situation that my son could possibly witness.

What measures can I take to ensure my son and my safety without breaching the law or damping my chances as his custodian?