Abu Dhabi motorists urged not to drive to National Day ceremony

ABU DHABI // Residents are being urged not to drive to the official National Day opening ceremony at Zayed Sports City on Wednesday.

No private vehicles will be allowed to enter the venue, said Brig Khalifa Al Khaili, deputy director at the Traffic and Patrols Directorate at Abu Dhabi Police.

Instead, assembly points have been set up in Al Shahama and on Yas Island, where buses will ferry people to and from the venue. The event will take place between 4pm and 8pm.

Officials from Abu Dhabi Police and the Department of Transport were not available to comment on the specific locations of the park-and-ride facilities, or provide details of any road closures or diversions during the National Day festivities.

But a comprehensive plan has been prepared and includes an increase in the number of police patrols in the city, Al Ain and the Western Region.

Motorists are urged to take extra care on the road and adhere to all traffic rules and regulations, including those in place specifically for National Day.

No parades are allowed aside from the official one, which will take place on Yas Island on Wednesday, Brig Al Khaili said.

On Thursday, thousands of decorated cars are expected to join the parade, which will run from 4pm until 11pm.

Anyone who breaks the law will have their vehicles locked up in a special pound on the Corniche near the Hilton Hotel.

Across the city, traffic will be monitored via surveillance cameras and radars on every road and in every tunnel.

Patrols will watch for speeding motorists, for anyone whose car decorations breach National Day guidelines, and for any uncivilised behaviour. Last month, Abu Dhabi Police issued regulations for motorists intending to decorate their cars to ensure safety on the capital's roads.

Motorists are reminded not to colour windscreens or black out side or rear windows, have too many passengers, or people leaning out of the vehicle’s windows, sunroof or boot.

Motorists are also not allowed to perform stunts, disrupt traffic, park in undesignated areas, equip their vehicles with speakers, modify the engine or colour of the vehicle, cover the licence plates, or use spray cans.

Car decorations are permitted only until December 6. Those flouting the rules risk fines ranging from Dh500 to Dh3,000, 12 to 24 black points on their licence, and having the vehicle impounded for up to a month.

Other National Day events will take place at the Heritage Village on the Corniche, Yas Marina Circuit, Al Maryah Island, Hili Fun City in Al Ain, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, and at various parks in the emirate.