Young Emirati inventor becomes UAE’s safety ambassador

Adeeb Al Blooshi, 11, is the face of Emirates Transport in its traffic awareness campaign.

Eleven-year-old Adeeb Al Blooshi says parental guidance is essential in teaching children the rules of the road. Pawan Singh / The National

ABU DHABI // An 11-year-old Emirati inventor has been appointed safety ambassador for the Emirates Transport’s traffic awareness campaign.

Adeeb Al Blooshi, described by CNN as one of the world’s most impressive young medical pioneers, will be the face of the campaign, dubbed ‘occupational health and safety month’.

“We are pleased to have him as the inaugural holder of the safety ambassador title and we can already see how his influence and presence inspires young people wherever he goes,” said Mohammed Al Jarman, general manager at Emirates Transport.

Adeeb, who was at the Emirates Transport stand at Gulf Traffic Week on Sunday, said: “As a traffic safety ambassador, my role is to tell children to be careful around cars. Everyone’s role is important when it comes to building a traffic safety culture.”

Children should be taught basic road safety rules and parents should supervise them at all times to prevent accidents, road safety experts say.

Parents are also encouraged to teach and demonstrate pedestrian safety to their children.

“It’s quite simple,” Adeeb said. “Don’t go out to the streets unsupervised. Stop, look left, right and left again and cross the street when the coast is clear.

“Always make sure the pedestrian light turns green or the walk signal is on. I also have this message for children like me. If you’re going to play football, play in the right place so the ball doesn’t go on to the road.

“If you’re inside the car, make sure you’re strapped in and don’t lean forward too much just in case the car crashes.”

Adeeb also appealed to motorists to follow the traffic rules, stick to the speed limit, keep their seat belts buckled, and refrain from using mobile phones while driving.

“Adeeb is a very talented young man who is a positive role model for all young people. But not only for young people, and not only this country, but for all throughout the world,” Mr Al Jarman said.

“We saw him as someone who had the ideal profile and appeal to best deliver the message of school transport safety to his peers, and at the same time, represent Emirates Transport’s vision of raising traffic safety awareness among all road users.”

Emirates Transport aims to raise awareness and works towards finding traffic safety solutions through various initiatives and projects, he said.

“Safety is part of our culture,” said Adeeb’s father, Sulaiman. “It is being taught at home and at school and Adeeb wants to reach out and spread traffic safety awareness among children.”

Mr Al Blooshi, 45, is confident that his son will serve as a positive role model for children.

“He is always looking up to me and his mum as his role models,” he said.

“It’s important that we set a good example not only about safe driving but safe traffic behaviour. I am proud of Adeeb and his achievements not because he’s my son, but because he’s from the UAE. He represents the UAE inside and outside the country. He’s doing everything for our country.”

Last year, the young scientist went on a world tour to help him build on his previous inventions, which include a prosthetic limb for his father and a housework robot for his mother.

The tour was organised by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai.