Dubai's back-to-school safety drive has been hailed as a major success after zero incidents were recorded around the emirate's schools.
Dubai Police on Tuesday said there were no traffic accidents or violations recorded near schools on Accident-Free Day, which is part of the UAE's A Day Without Accidents campaign.
The initiative involved police officers managing the influx of school-bound traffic, directing drivers and ensuring children arrived safely to their classrooms on what is typically one of the busiest days of the year.
"We can't compare today's traffic to that of years ago because we had less schools back then," Maj Gen Abdullah Al Ghaithi, assistant commander-in-chief of operations and chairman of the Events Security Committee at Dubai Police, told The National.
"This is why it's the responsibility of all of us to ensure the safety of our children."
He said that given the diverse cultures living in the emirate, each contributing its own traffic norms, the force is committed to fostering a unified traffic safety culture.
“The objective is to align all road users on the same set of safety standards to better protect lives," Maj Gen Al Ghaithi said.
“We hope that we will have every day without accidents but this can’t happen unless everyone takes part, parents of pupils in particular.”
Accident-Free Day was launched by the Federal Traffic Council and was a rewards-based system to encourage responsible driving in the UAE.
The scheme offered to wipe four black points from driving licences if motorists avoided accidents and did not break traffic regulations on Monday, the first day of term at many schools in the UAE.
Drivers had to sign a pledge to avoid speeding, maintain safe distances, and exercise caution while changing lanes and overtaking.
UAE pupils delight as they head back to school - in pictures
-
Pupils arrive on the first day of school at Raha International School Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Hudhayfah and Harith Mannan arrive on the first day of school at Raha International School Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Eklavya Ralhan, eleven, is starting Grade 6. Victor Besa / The National -
Roman Sokhan, 12, and Walter Clarke, 11, are both starting Grade 6. Victor Besa / The National -
Gabriela Rotter Sekef and Isabella Pauli arrive at Raha International School Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Friends were reunited on the first day of school at Raha International School Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Some schools also offered flexible start times to ease traffic build-up and cut travel times. Victor Besa / The National -
Pupils arrive at Raha International School Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
All smiles as pupils return to Raha International School Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
A pupil took a scooter to school on the first day of term. Victor Besa / The National -
Pupils arrive on the first day of school at Raha International School Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
More than a million pupils across the Emirates embarked on a new school year on Monday. Pawan Singh / The National -
About 600 pupils started their first day at the Dwight School Dubai on Monday. Pawan Singh / The National -
Pupils were keen to log on to their school laptops after the summer break. Pawan Singh / The National -
David Hutson, right, head teacher at Dwight School in Dubai, greets returning pupils. Pawan Singh / The National -
Pupils pose for a photo on the first day of the new term. Pawan Singh / The National -
Dubai police guide traffic to ensure a safe return to school for pupils. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A police officer helps a pupil outside the Research Science Private School in Al Warqaa, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Children arrive with their parents on the first day of school. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Pupils walk hand in hand with their parents as they enter a school. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
There were lots of smiles as pupils looked forward to seeing their friends and teachers. Chris Whiteoak / The National
