Abu Dhabi Police to organise anti-piracy awareness programme

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Police has warned against purchasing pirated software: such dealings are illegal and irresponsible.

The police called on various institutions to increase awareness among their employees about pirated software.

"We are ready to organise anti-piracy awareness programmes in conjunction with various public or private sector institutions. It is crucial to raise awareness about the dangers of using or burying pirated stuff," said Major General Ahmad Nasser Al Reysi, Director of Central Operations at the Abu Dhabi Police.

H said "the fact that the UAE has the lowest piracy rates in the Arab world is a national achievement that should be maintained".

Since early 2000, the UAE embarked on a massive crackdown against software piracy, a campaign that gave the UAE a lead with the lowest piracy rate in the region.

Citing the role of the police, Al Reysi said the anti-piracy campaign led to a tremendous boost in e-commerce, which generated Dh5 billion in 2007.

The UAE, he said, has re-asserted its position as a model for other countries in the region to emulate, having maintained a significantly low-piracy rate. While the authorities will continue to maintain the policy of zero-tolerance against piracy, it important that awareness be raised on this issue, he said.