Emirati mom controls traffic everyday in front of son's school

Ras Al Khaimah - Mother honoured for her voluntary work.

An Emirati woman is on a mission to spread traffic awareness among residents. Every day, the Ras Al Khaimah-based woman drops her son off to school and then puts on a reflective vest to help manage traffic in the area.
Amena Ali Eissa Al Marwi, a cancer patient, has been honoured by the Ras Al Khaimah Police for cooperating with them to direct traffic in front of Ibn Al Qayem elementary school.
A video released by the police on Monday shows Amena dressed in a traditional Emirati abaya in the midst of several vehicles in a parking lot. She is seen gesturing vehicles to stop, while letting others go till the parking lot is empty. It then cuts into a photo of Major-General Ali Abdullah bin Alwan Al Nuaimi, general commander of the RAK Police, honouring her with an appreciation certificate.
"We are in dire need of such novel voluntary work and this inspiring sense of social responsibility," the police chief said. "Amena's dedication to her community speaks volumes. She insisted on cooperating with the police in spreading traffic awareness and positively giving back to her community."
High ranking police officers also attended the honouring ceremony to offer the Emirati mother their full support and encouragement.
During another ceremony, Brigadier Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Humaidi, director-general of the central operations room, and Brigadier Ahmad Al Sam Al Naqbi, director of the traffic and patrols department, praised Amena in front of the school management, staff and students.
Amena thanked the RAK police for their kind gesture, but brushed off the praises she received. "This is nothing extraordinary, but rather a national and ethical duty towards our beloved community and country. The UAE deserves to be served by all means.
"Our beloved country and prudent leadership have always been supportive and compassionate to all nationals and residents, and this is the least I can do to serve," she said.
She has a message for all motorists. "I urge all drivers to be patient and observe traffic rules. It's said that 'honesty is the best policy', but I would say 'safety is the best policy' - let's all cooperate to ensuring road safety."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

Mother stays 'as long as possible' to help school
Speaking exclusively to Khaleej Times, the mother of five; three sons and two daughters, said she got nod from the school administration when she raised the idea.
"I told them I am so keen to do it; I believe in giving back to my community, and they agreed with me and gave me traffic-like yellow vest."
It was never for her 12-year-old son Abdullah, Al Marwi, who is based in Al Muaireedh area, RAK, pointed out. "I can simply drop him to school and go back home."
Instead, Al Marwi, who is an active mother in most school activities, stay as long as possible in the school for help.
"I feel than all the children are mine and I have to take care of them all and make sure they are all safe."
The example Al Marwi, who is a widow housewife has given to her only son at that school has inspired him to chip in as well. "He is so proud of me, and feels like to stand by me holding a notebook to write down the number plates of erring drivers."
Though none of the other parents were ready to do the same, Al Marwi, also known as Umm Ahmad, said they all like her initiative which is also supported by all her family members.
"The only challenge I am facing is the kind of stubborn parents who insist on breaking rules and drive in the opposite direction, or entering or exiting from a banned place."

• UAE
• Ras Al Khaimah