AD Police to distribute over 142k Iftar meals to motorists

Abu Dhabi - The police, along with volunteers from charity organisations, have been distributing 4,750 meals per day for drivers.

As part of the Abu Dhabi Police's Ramadan initiatives, officers on duty in the Capital have been standing in the sizzling heat while fasting, handing out food and drinks to motorists passing by.
The police, along with volunteers from charity organisations, have been distributing 4,750 meals per day for drivers, and will continue doing so throughout Ramadan. This totals to around 142,500 meals throughout the holy month.
"The Abu Dhabi Police's participation in the distribution of meals to drivers in Abu Dhabi City and Al Ain intersections is to help activate volunteering among members of the community," Colonel Mahmoud Yousef Al Baloushi, director of protocol and tasks department at the Traffic and Patrol Department of the police, told Khaleej Times on Thursday.
Colonel Al Baloushi pointed out that the patrols are also providing traffic safety for the volunteers from Al Ihsan Charitable Society and the Abu Dhabi Community Development, who distribute Iftar packets to motorists.
"The patrols also participate in the distribution of meals," he added.
The police said that traffic patrols along with volunteers have been distributing meals for drivers at 10 traffic signals in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
Colonel Al Baloushi said the initiative not only reflects on the spirit of the holy month, but it also helps avoid road accidents by drivers speeding near Iftar time.
The Abu Dhabi Police have also been distributing Iftar meals to the public transport users in the bus stations in Abu Dhabi City and Al Ain.
Brigadier Mohammad Suhail Al Rashidi, acting criminal security director at the Abu Dhabi Police, said adopting initiatives that allow communities and authorities to work together follows the values and examples set by the Founding Father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
He noted that simple, yet kind gestures, can help build bridges in societies.
Moreover, the police stepped up its efforts and activities to raise awareness on traffic safety, during the nights of the holy month, after Iftar and Taraweeh prayers, by speaking directly to community members about road safety.
Captain Khaled Mohammed Al Azizi, director of the department of public relations in Abu Dhabi, said the programmes come within the framework of the community and security awareness campaign launched by the Abu Dhabi Police, under the 'Ramadan Security and Safety' initiative, in its strategy to enhance security, safety and happiness among the community.
He pointed out that the initiative is implemented at 12 locations in Abu Dhabi, including mosques and petrol stations.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Abu Dhabi