Abu Dhabi security services work round-the-clock to ensure safety

Abu Dhabi: The police have intensified efforts to ensure public safety amidst the holiday excitement and festive mood in the air.

As residents throng parks, beaches and resorts to get the maximum fun out of the extended Eid and UAE National Day holidays, security services are working round-the-clock to ensure all goes well.

Departments such as traffic, rescue and emergency, and tourist police department are working hand-in-hand with patrol teams, central operations and all police stations to tackle the increased risk of accidents and other mishaps owing to heightened holiday activities.

The tourist police have stepped up their presence in various spots across the city as well as the beaches, due to a record number of visitors during the holidays.

‘Oasis of safety'

Lieutenant Colonel Ahmad Darwish Al Qamzi, head of the tourist police said: "The UAE is known to be an oasis of safety and security, making it an ideal holiday destination for many. There is also an increased number of picnickers due to the long holidays. During these times, it is essential for the police to make their presence felt in these areas to convey a sense of security, care and comfort, besides providing assistance."

Al Qamzi called on the public to abide by the law and to respect local traditions at all times. "Care must be taken to avoid uncivilised behaviour, causing disturbances to others and breaches of public morals. Also avoid use of alcohol in public places and maintain respect for the feelings of families and beachgoers."

Meanwhile, the traffic department cautioned motorists to abide by the regulations to avoid accidents. To mark the occasion, they distributed sweets to motorists.

Colonel Hamad Adel Al Shamsi, the director of the traffic and patrols department, reiterated the need to comply with speed and seat belt regulations.

He said that children under the age of ten must strictly be kept in the back seat. "Reduce speed near parks and intersections, since there might be an increased number of families and children on the roads. Also, give way to pedestrians."

Al Shamsi also warned parents not to let children play in the streets or allow them to cross without adult supervision.

Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi police central operations room received as many as 3,223 calls to 999 over the first and second day of the Eid holidays. The calls were related to traffic emergencies as well as criminal cases, officials said.

Colonel Ali Mohammad Al Daheri, Director of the central operations, urged the public not to hesitate to call 999 during an emergency.

He said that Abu Dhabi received 724 calls on the first day of Eid, out of which 553 were to report traffic issues while on the second day 727 calls were received, out of which 570 were traffic related. On both days, the maximum number of calls was reported between 9 and 10pm, when 55 and 53 calls were received.

In Al Ain 950 calls were recorded on the first day and 761 on the second day.