Abu Dhabi: Drivers stranded on the streets or caught in traffic during iftar need not worry, as the capital’s petrol stations continue to distribute free dates and water for motorist during Ramadan.
The Abu Dhabi Community Police, along with patrols from Al Ain and the Western region, are distributing 33,000 meals in a bid to reduce the number of accidents caused by speeding fasters hurrying to make it in time for Iftar.
“I see a lot of accidents on my way home during Iftar,” said Muna Abd Al Nour, a 22 year-old Palestinian resident. “People are usually sleepier, less focused and not to mention hungry towards the end of the day and do not want to be a minute late for iftar,” she added.
Egyptian Dubai resident, Mohammad Al Ash’ari, who frequently visits the capital told Gulf News: “When I know I am going to be late anyway, I just stop at a gas station and grab something on the way rather than hurry and put stress on myself.”
However, not many may agree with this notion. “I think that if a person knows that their drive will be a long one, they should get their meals with them because not many would settle for dates and water. Everyone has food provided for them during Ramadan, from labour workers who go to Iftar tents, to families eating at home,” said Mohammad Samir Abdullah, a 26 year-old external auditor.
Similarly, Solina Dalal, 20, a Lebanese resident, told Gulf News that although she often drives around in the capital while people prepare to end their fast, she has never stopped at any of the petrol stations to receive their meals.
The Director of Community Police Department said in an official statement that the department will be sending out foot patrols to distribute Iftar meals to drivers on traffic intersections.
“There are two officers who usually give out water and dates in the area I live in so I have never felt like I needed to stop at the Adnoc station,” she said.
Muna and Solina both agreed that the initiative will help reduce the number of road accidents due to the Iftar rush. “I just do not think it will be sufficient to dramatically cause a decline in accidents,” Muna added.
