Dubai: Special arrangements are being made to handle the anticipated rush at popular venues across the city as the authorities prepare for the Eid Al Adha holidays.
A joint Events Security Committee of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police has chalked out a plan for the traffic movement and security of the public celebrating Eid Al Adha.
Brigadier Khalil Obaid Al Bishri, deputy head of the committee, said the committee has completed preparations and is all set for the advent of Eid Al Adha holidays.
Measures have been taken to ensure safety of people on road, in malls as well as at popular venues across the city, while security has been beefed up at all major locations.
“Much emphasis has been placed on ensuring a smooth traffic flow at traffic hotspots such as the Airport Street, tourist destinations and malls. Road patrolling will be intensified to ease the traffic movement and fend off any potential traffic issues that might crop up due to the intense vehicular traffic in those areas,” said Brig Al Bishri.
He said patrolling will be intensified on various internal and external roads, especially around slaughterhouses, in order to ensure smooth traffic as well as dealing with any emergencies.
Speaking to Gulf News, Major-General Khalil Ebrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in Chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs of Dubai Police, said there will be round-the-clock patrolling during Eid.
“All police stations are ready to address any problem,” Maj-Gen Al Mansouri said during a meeting with officers to discuss police preparations for Eid Al Adha.
He urged the public to register for the home security service through the police app or police website when they travel abroad. He also urged beach-goers not to carry money or expensive items.
He urged families to pay attention to the children and to keep an eye on them at beaches, parks and malls.
Police urged the public to call on emergency number 999 or the non-emergency number 901 at any time to report issues and use SOS service though Dubai Police app during safari and desert trips.
Meanwhile, the RTA will deploy additional buses and taxis in busy areas, while extending the metro services and increasing the train frequency during the holidays.
Maitha Mohammad Bin Adai, CEO of RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, said, “RTA has developed the traffic and operational plans for Eid as well as deploying mass transit services needed. The team aims to provide safe and smooth access to public or private transport services during Eid Al Adha holidays.”
She added that special attention is being given to the busy Burj Khalifa District, which sees increased traffic during all festivals.
As part of the plan to ease traffic, the RTA has placed signboards directing motorists to alternative routes and additional parking areas.
“Two additional parking lots at Al Wasl Club and Al Jafiliya will be ready to accommodate surplus vehicles in case the parking slots of The Dubai Mall are full. Buses will be ready to shuttle riders between The Dubai Mall and the alternative parking areas,” added Maitha.
During the holidays, Dubai Metro will operate till 2am from Monday to August 25, while trams will operate till 1am during the same period.
The metro service frequency will range from three to eight minutes, depending on the peak time, and the Express Metro Service will be operational as usual.
