Commander-In-Chief of Dubai Police
Ali Al Shouk | Senior Reporter
Ensuring the success of the movement restrictions in 2020 was crucial in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, and that responsibility rested squarely on Dubai Police.
The force adopted innovative measures to make sure residents followed the stay-at-home directives while facilitating those who had genuine reasons to step out. Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Merri, Commander-In-Chief of Dubai Police, told Gulf News that it was the foresight of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, that had created the digital infrastructure needed to implement the innovative measures – such as e-permits and modified speed radars during the movement restrictions.
“That vision helped us deal smartly with the pandemic through Dubai’s digital infrastructure. When movement restrictions were imposed, the easy access to the movement permit website helped officials control the movement of people who wanted to meet their needs,” Lt Gen Al Merri said in an exclusive interview. “The movement permit idea came from the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, headed by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The aim was to ease the movement in the emirate during the restrictions as many people had urgent needs and business matters and emergency situations.”
Smart solutions
Lt Gen Al Merri conceded it was not easy to restrict vehicle movement in Dubai, a city of more than 4 million people. However, the Traffic Department at Dubai Police came up with the creative idea of using the existing speed radars to also monitor violations.
“The challenge was how to implement the movement restrictions 100 per cent. We managed to come with an idea to use our advanced speed radars to catch those vehicles that did not have permits on the roads during movement restrictions,” said Lt Gen Al Merri.
Another out-of-the-box idea was to use windshield screens to display alerts in cars where the feature was available. “When you turned on the engine, a screen display alerts about wearing a seat belt, not to use the mobile phone, etc. We used this service to send a message to drivers in Dubai that if there is no need to go out, then stay home. It was a first-of-its-kind step in the world,” said Lt Gen Al Merri.
Community outreach
In the early stages of the outbreak, Dubai Police formed a group in collaboration with its partners to cover all necessary issues.
“We used to have daily meetings with 32 representatives from all shopping centres in Dubai to make sure everybody was complying with precautionary measures, like wearing masks and social distancing,” said Lt Gen Al Merri.
Moreover, Dubai Police had teams visiting residential compounds, in coordination with Dubai Land Department, to check on the level of compliance with precautionary measures.
“We even had teams on Dubai beaches, such as Ports Police Station, and rescue teams to ensure that beach-goers and those out at sea were complying with the protective measures.”
Role of volunteers
Another initiative of Dubai Police, the ride-along with Dubai Police bikers unit, had a noticeable impact on the public. “Our aim was to engage Emiratis and residents in joining our patrols to spread awareness. When we launched the initiative, our target was 350 volunteers – but we were surprised to receive more than 11,000 applications from volunteers ready to ride with our patrols,” said Lt Gen Al Merri.
Humanitarian initiatives
With the help of charitable entities and other government departments, Dubai Police also held food distribution campaigns, especially during Ramadan. This was essential, as ordinary residents were not allowed to distribute meals by themselves, as a precaution against the outbreak. Police officers and volunteers distributed more than 7 million meals in one month alone.
“All concerned entities put in massive efforts in these campaigns. Voluntary work during the pandemic had a positive impact on achieving the targets,” said Al Merri.
Staying motivated
Dubai Police also formed a team to boost the morale of police officers and other employees of the force during the crisis. “We had teams to support our cadres, medically and psychologically. The support wasn’t only while they were on duty, but it extended to homes and to their families as well.”
During the outbreak, elderly employees and those with chronic diseases in the force were instructed to work from home and were provided regular medical checks. “I’m proud of being part of this country and of our wise leadership. The UAE’s support to all residents is a model for all countries and will remain forever in history,” said Lt Gen Al Merri.
Word of thanks
The Dubai Police Chief thanked all community members in the emirate for their commitment to following the protocols. “We were happy with the UAE community’s behaviour in listening to the official orders and complying with precautionary measures to curb COVID-19. Thanks to everyone, as without the unity and cooperation in this nation, we wouldn’t have overcome the crisis,” said Lt Gen Al Merri.
Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Merri, Commander-In-Chief of Dubai Police
