Dubai: With crowds expected to flock to malls and tourist hotspots over Eid Al Adha, police across the country have put in place security plans to bolster road safety and security this weekend.
The Ministry of Interior said police will intensify patrols on various internal and external roads, especially around slaughterhouses, in order to ensure smooth traffic, reduce congestion, and deal with any emergencies.
The Events Security Committee in Dubai also announced a comprehensive plan on Wednesday that would include stepping up patrols on all Dubai roads and districts during the Eid holiday and keeping the public informed about alternative roads during traffic hours.
Major-General Abdullah Khalifa Al Merri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, headed a meeting on Wednesday with the committee and said that there would be round-the clock patrols deployed to ensure smooth traffic flow and monitor security in residential areas and tourist hotspots.
At least 16 police patrols will be distributed to cover several tourist areas and malls, especially Dubai Mall and Emirates Mall.
Major General Al Merri urged the public to stay safe and avoid getting into traffic accidents so that they can enjoy the holidays.
“We request drivers to abide by the laws and regulations in the country and to avoid speeding, recklessly driving, and sudden swerving,” he said, noting that authorities will keep people up to date on the traffic situation through social media.
Police officials said they would secure Eid prayers at Zabeel Mosque and other mosques.
Colonel Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, Director of Dubai Traffic Police, reviewed the traffic plan that showed the alternative roads that can be used when certain areas get congested. He also said that multiple transport means will be provided to transport people to shopping malls.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) briefed police on their plans and said there would be 30 instruction boards in place to guide the public on how to get to the shopping malls. The RTA will be extending its Metro service until 2am, an official said at the meeting.
The Ministry of Interior called on motorists in the country to obey traffic rules and regulations and to adhere to the speed limits specified on roads, so as to avoid traffic accidents. They also urged drivers to not use their phones while driving.
Brigadier Gaith Hassan Al Za’abi, Director General of Traffic Coordination at the ministry, stressed the need for motorists who get into minor incidents to move their vehicles to the side of the road in order to not disrupt traffic movement.
