Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Friday, July 3rd 2015 [ME NewsWire]

The Ministry of Interior continued its nationwide Ramadan Councils on Thursday evening. The councils are organized at the countrywide level by the Law Respect Culture Bureau at the General Secretariat of the Office of H.H Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; under the theme “Innovation through Dialogue”. Nine councils were held at the countrywide level and tackled the topic of the ‘Traffic and Licensing Sector’.

The main topic of discussion consisted of two key axes, which include three different sub-sections, notably, the services provided by the traffic sector and the efforts to ensure road safety; the role of traffic patrols; and the efforts to reduce traffic-related accidents. The second sub-section highlighted the licensing services; the terms and conditions for vehicle licensing; the facilities offered to customers; and the measures adopted to ensure drivers’ safety by ensuring the safety of the vehicle. The third sub-section tackled the smart traffic services provided via the Ministry of Interior’s application. The second axis highlighted the different challenges facing the relevant traffic-related entities at the Ministry of Interior, notably the major accidents; excessive speed; and the Culture of Civilized Driving.

Traffic awareness

During the council, which was hosted by Mohammed Saleh Al Darmaki at his residence in Al Mushrif area in Abu Dhabi, participants called for intensifying road safety awareness for community members of different ages and educational levels via the various media outlets, especially social media that have massive numbers of followers. They also called for including traffic safety awareness topics into educational curricula; boosting road safety awareness to preserve lives and property. Moreover, participants attending the council called for offering compelling incentives for distinguished drivers who have no reported traffic violations, so as to be a role model for other drivers; and stressed the need for all drivers and road users to be have an extensive knowledge of the Federal Traffic Law.

Adding further, participants noted that the UAE has a highly advanced and sophisticated infrastructure, in compliance with the highest international standards, which makes roads safer. They praised the efforts exerted by the traffic patrols in the various areas and cities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and their valuable role in maintaining traffic safety; implementing the necessary measures and procedures to ensure a smooth traffic flow; monitoring road users’ violations and reinforcing road safety.

Comprehensive Traffic Services

Another Ramadan Council was hosted by Saeed Abdullah bin Douman Al Ameri at his residence in Al Wagan in the city of Al Ain and moderated by media figure Hussein Al Ameri. The participants in the council praised the UAE’s keenness and commitment to provide the finest comprehensive traffic services to both citizens and residents of the UAE; in accordance with the latest international standards, and in response to the instructions of the country’s wise leadership.

Speakers at the council stressed the need to abide  by the traffic safety systems and traffic laws, and carrying out a periodical technical  inspection to check the validity and good condition of vehicles before travelling long distances by land. They also urged the parents to supervise their children and prevent them from driving if they have not attained the age of majority to have a driving license; and stressed the need to promote traffic awareness through various media channels.

Furthermore, the participants commended the pioneering initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Law Respect Culture Bureau, and its goals to promote communication between citizens and decision-makers through the Ramadan councils.

White Points Scheme

Participants attending the Ministry of Interior’s Ramadan Council hosted by Saeed Mohammed Al Kindi at his residence in Dubai, and moderated by media figure Rashid Al Nuaimi, called for implementing the white points’ scheme at the countrywide level. They also called for promoting traffic culture and traffic awareness among community members in collaboration with the different ministries, governmental authorities and relevant private companies. On the same note, speakers at the council called for implementing stiffer penalties, as a major deterrent for traffic offenders; and for reconsidering the terms for vehicles and drivers licensing, especially for taxis and heavy vehicles’ drivers.

The participants attending Al Kindi Council said that traffic education is an integral part of the law respect culture. They added that the Ministry of Interior is exerting significant efforts to implement the best practices to ensure traffic safety, and to avoid human or economic losses caused by traffic accidents, as well as the psychological effects of traffic accidents on the family and the community and the public damage (damage to property, roads infrastructure and public facilities).

Moreover, Al Kindi Council tackled the smart traffic and licensing services, which embody the UAE Smart Government initiative aimed at developing services and streamlining customers’ access to these services. The provision of the services through the Ministry of Interior’s application, streamlines access to such services, and saves time and effort for both citizens and residents. This measure also aims at enhancing the Ministry of Interior’s service provision system to ensure the comfort and happiness of individuals, by enabling them to complete their transactions smoothly and easily.

Participants in the council gave an overview of the major challenges that face the traffic and licensing sector in the UAE; notably traffic accidents and their negative impacts on the social and economic levels. They attributed the key causes of traffic accidents to excessive speeding, and failure to comply with traffic laws.

Incentives for Abiding Drivers

During the Ramadan Council hosted by Saeed Ali Al Naqbi at his residence in Khor Fakkan in Sharjah, and moderated by media figure Mohammed Ibrahim Al Raisi; participants recommended offering incentives to drivers who abide by traffic laws. They also urged to establish regulations related to issuing driving licenses; to instill traffic culture in children; and to include traffic safety topics in school curricula.

Furthermore, speakers at the council discussed the role of traffic awareness campaigns in promoting traffic awareness so as to reduce traffic accidents. They also underscored the need to deploy traffic patrols on internal and external roads and across residential areas to deter reckless drivers who cause public nuisance.

In conclusion, participants at Al Naqbi council shed the light on the significant efforts exerted by traffic and licensing departments nationwide. They also hailed the multitude of electronic services that have contributed to save time and effort and positioned the UAE among developed countries in terms of the provided services.

‘7-Star’ Services

In his speech at the Ministry of Interior’s Ramadan Council that was hosted by Rashid Abdullah Ghalita Al Ghafli and moderated by Abdullah Muhammad Ismail, Brigadier Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Commander-in-Chief of Ajman Police stressed the ministry’s ongoing commitment to find creative and innovative solutions that benefit community members and cater to their needs, as well as to spread awareness among citizens and residents of the UAE. Brigadier Al Nuaimi also highlighted the valuable role undertaken by the MoI’s Ramadan Councils in bringing citizens together with government officials to brainstorm ideas, reach solutions, and strengthen social ties among the UAE people. He also noted that Ajman Police’s   various departments strive continuously to establish and implement advanced traffic schemes and other developmental projects in order to provide seven-star services to the public across the Emirate.

Participants attending the Council called for reconsidering procedures related to issuance of driving licenses and for strengthening coordination with traffic committees and competent authorities in charge road and infrastructure planning and design. Speakers also called for concerted efforts to further spread traffic culture, under the guidance of the Ministry of Education and its different TV, radio and print media outlets.

Intensifying Traffic Patrols

Participants at the MoI Ramadan Council that was hosted by Ahmad Ali Al Shamesi at his residence in Umm Al Quwain and moderated by media personality Muhammad Majid Al Suwaidi, stressed the need to intensify traffic patrols on the Emirate’s roads, in addition to traffic awareness campaigns for all society segments in collaboration with educational institutions. They also called for including traffic safety topics in school curricula for all educational stages.

Brigadier Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla, Commander-in-Chief of Umm Al Quwain Police, asserted that raising road users’ awareness about traffic safety is a must and among the top objectives that the MoI strives to achieve  in order to reduce traffic accidents.

Speakers at the council discussed the instrumental role of traffic patrols in maintaining security across the Emirate while providing support and assistance to drivers and road users. They criticized the reckless driving of the youth, by performing dangerous stunts that compromise their safety and the safety of other road users, and intentionally modifying their vehicles in a way that causes nuisance to residents.

Raising Parents’ Awareness

Sheikh Muftah bin Ali Obaid Al Khateri hosted a Ramadan Council at his residence in Ras Al Khaimah, which was moderated by media personality Abdullah Al Mutawa’. Major General Ali Abdullah bin Alwan Al Nuaimi, Commander-in-Chief of Ras Al Khaimah Police called for concerted efforts in order to boost drivers’ awareness on the need to take necessary safety precautions; conduct regular maintenance of their vehicles; check the validity of the vehicle’s tires, and observe traffic rules and regulations in order to maintain their safety and the safety of others.

Participants also stressed the importance of intensifying traffic awareness for parents and called upon them to closely supervise their children and prevent them from driving recklessly or before obtaining a driving license. Participants also called for adopting proper road etiquette and manners in order to preserve lives and property. They also called for building additional pedestrian and bikers’ pathways in the Emirate.

Pedestrian Bridges

Participants at the MoI Ramadan Council, which was hosted by Ali Rashid Al Malahi and moderated by Talal Al Hindasi in Fujairah, recommended building additional pedestrian bridges and underpasses  in order to reduce run-over accidents. They also called for installing barriers on the main roads in the emirate and intensifying traffic patrols on external roads. Speakers also stressed the importance of intensifying traffic awareness campaigns for all community and age segments, in collaboration with educational and media entities.

Additionally, speakers praised the Traffic and Licensing Department in Fujairah, which endeavors has according to clear and elaborate plans that are derived from the strategic objectives of the MoI. They also discussed the importance of increasing traffic patrols in order to reduce traffic congestion and ensure a smooth traffic flow, especially on main roads. They also noted that the key challenges facing the traffic sector are excessive speeding; recklessness of drivers, and failure to observe traffic laws.

MoI Application via Smart Phones

The Ministry of Interior’s council, which was hosted and moderated by Dr. Aisha Al Busmait at her residence in Al Shindagha neighborhood in Dubai, called for intensifying traffic education campaigns; encouraging the public to avail of the MoI’s smart application; in addition to establishing a Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation for traffic accident victims and their families; and sharing their painful experiences with community members through traffic education campaigns. Speakers at the council stressed the need to include traffic safety topics in school curricula; replace fines with community and voluntary service; and reconsider and amend traffic laws in accordance with current requirements and developments.

The council tackled a number of traffic topics, notably the use of the Ministry of Interior’s smart application “UAE-MOI” via smart phones and the distribution of Iftar meals on the internal and external roads throughout the month of Ramadan. They also stressed the importance of education in spreading the traffic safety culture and the culture of civilized road use in order to protect both citizens and residents.

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ADP Community Police Participates in Ramadan Councils

The Community Police Department at the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters participated in the Ramadan Council that was hosted by Mubarak Al Mansouri, Head of Government Relations at ADMA, at his residence in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. The council comes in line with the Ministry of Interior’s plans to enhance communication and interaction with the public, and reinforcing its social responsibility.

Participants attending the council discussed a number of topics related to services and social work, in addition to issues related to their neighborhoods and residential areas. They submitted a number of solutions and approaches designed to enhance service provision in the area and protection efforts. They also praised the cooperation of government authorities and their promptness in catering to their needs; and highlighted the positive role played by the various jurisdictions and departments within the police institution, in providing social services that enhance security and safety.

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The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

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