UAE Police to step up patrols during Eid Al Adha holiday

Public urged to follow Covid-19 guidelines during long weekend

Police will focus on tourist areas, shopping and commercial centres throughout Eid Al Adha. Pawan Singh / The National

Dubai Police have urged the public to follow precautionary measures in busy public places during the Eid Al Adha holiday, with increased patrols planned across the emirate to ensure public safety.

The authorities said 412 traffic police patrols would be stationed in key areas to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians during the holiday.

Police will focus on tourist areas, malls and commercial centres, with plans to send 3,200 policemen, 2,400 security guards, 62 ambulances, 442 paramedics and 10 marine boats across Dubai, while 165 lifeguards will monitor the emirate's beaches, the force said.

About 650 volunteers will be placed in tourist attractions and shopping centres to ensure Covid-19 safety measures, such as wearing masks, are being observed.

“We will intensify patrols of all kinds, to secure all mosques and grand prayer grounds and deploy traffic, security patrols and volunteers across the emirate to ensure its security and safety,” said Maj Gen Abdullah Al Ghaithi, director of the General Department of Organisation Protective Security and Emergency and chairman of the Events Security Committee.

“We have instructed our police patrols and wardens to step up efforts to protect people’s lives and ensure their happiness, especially during this happy occasion.”

People are advised to call 911 for all incidents that are not urgent.

Maj Gen Al Gaithi urged motorists to be extra cautious and slow down when driving in residential and crowded areas.

“Pedestrians should be careful and only cross roads from designated areas,” he said.

Sharjah police also stepped up its patrols on land, in sea and in the air to ensure rapid response times to potential emergencies during Eid Al Adha holiday.

“The force’s Air Wing will make sure traffic across Sharjah is smooth and help maintain security across all areas of the emirate,” said Brig Gen Ahmad Al Naour, Director General of Sharjah Police’s Central Operations.

“With help from Sharjah Civil Defence, marine crews will patrol the emirate’s beaches to ensure the safety of all beachgoers.”

The morning of the first day of Eid will see an increased number of traffic patrols near mosques to organise vehicles, while in the evening officers will be patrolling commercial and residential areas.

Ajman Police also said they would increase patrols near shopping centres, main roads and tourist destinations to ensure road safety and maintain public security during the holiday.

Lt Col Saif Al Falasi, director of traffic and patrols at Ajman Police, said officers would work around the clock to prevent traffic offences and reduce congestion.

Police will also take steps to prevent overcrowding in enclosed spaces and ensure the public follow Covid-19 precautionary measures.

In Ras Al Khaimah, 89 police cars will patrol near markets, mosques and residential areas to ensure public safety.

Additional marine rescue teams will be on the beaches.

“Children should not be left unsupervised when on the beach and parents who are not confident about their children’s swimming must ensure they wear floaties,” said Maj Gen Ali Al Nuaimi, chief commander of Ras Al Khaimah Police.

The force has urged parents to keep an eye on their children and issued a warning about the improper use of fireworks.

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