Abu Dhabi: An Abu Dhabi school has asked students and parents to be cautious after one of its students was approached by strangers in a car last Thursday.
The incident occurred at the Raha International School near the Raha Gardens in the Khalifa City A area.
The girl is safe as ‘fortunately she fled immediately and her father was nearby,” the school informed parents in a circular.
In January this year, a similar incident was reported at the GEMS Wellington International School in Al Sufouh, Dubai where two of its girl students were offered a ride by a man in a white car. He reportedly told the girls he had permission to take them home. But the students refused and had the presence of mind to rush back to the school compound.
Following the incident at Raha, the school has sent a security alert to parents asking them to be vigilant. “This is a serious caution to us all to ensure their safety and to remind our children not to engage with strangers or approach strange cars.
On guard
“Please review with our children their end of day routine and ensure that it is followed,” read the alert.
Parents and students have also been asked to report any suspicious behaviour to the school security staff. They should also use the parking lot for pick-ups and drop-offs and not the verge or shoulder of the street between the temporary parking lot and the school.
A parent of two children at the school said the incident is worrying. “My elder son stays back for swimming after school, and he walks back home,” said the man who did not want to be named.
Another parent whose daughter studies in grade three said she has discussed the incident with her child. “I did not want to scare her. But I wanted her know what had happened so that she can be cautious,” she said.
