MOI: Smooth Crossing for Pilgrims at Al Ghuwaifat Border

Distributed Anti-Dust Masks and Umbrellas

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Saturday, September 27th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

More than 13,136 pilgrims from the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman have crossed the Al Ghuwaifat Border on their way to perform the Hajj rituals in the Holy Land. The Ministry of Interior, in cooperation with its partners, has provided pilgrims with a wide range of services to make their travel comfortable.  These services included the distribution of medical masks to protect them against the harmful effects of dust, fine particles and pathogens; in addition to umbrellas to shield them against the blazing sun, and document folders to protect their documents against damage or loss.

The Abu Dhabi Police had launched an awareness campaign for pilgrims designed to raise the awareness of pilgrims about safety and prevention requirements. The initiative is implemented by the Security Media Department at the General Secretariat of the Office of H.H Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, in cooperation with concerned police departments and comes as a part of its social campaign under the slogan “Your Safety”. It also aims to familiarize pilgrims with the services provided by Abu Dhabi Police through their different teams, to promote awareness-raising efforts, and increase safety levels, especially traffic safety, to ensure a safe and accident free pilgrimage.

Colonel Khamis Musbah Al Marar, Head of Ports and Airports Security Department at Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, noted that three tents were set up for pilgrims that are equipped with all amenities. Seven thousand medical masks were also distributed to protect pilgrims against the health damages of dust particles. “The safety and health of pilgrims is a top priority for Abu Dhabi Police, which constantly seek to promote efforts in this regard,” he noted.

Adding further, Colonel Al Marar stated that Abu Dhabi Police cater to the need of all pilgrims while they are waiting  at the Port, in cooperation with the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, the Red Crescent, the Western Region Municipality, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Al Sila Hospital, and the Family Development Foundation in Al Sila.

Colonel Al Marar noted that the various entities at the port are working as one team through mutual cooperation to guarantee distinguished services to alleviate the pilgrims’ tiresome and long journey. “Medical and ambulance services are also provided that can accommodate up to 10 beds to handle emergency situations and administer first aid to pilgrims. There is also full coordination with Al Sila Hospital to receive any emergency case that requires in-hospital treatment,” he added.

Colonel Al Marar also noted that mechanical workshops have been provided around the clock to fix any bus malfunction, to allow pilgrims to continue their journey to the Holy Land without delay. School students from Al Sila region distributed water bottles and fruit juices to pilgrims to smooth out their travel.

Moreover, Colonel Al Marar explained that pilgrims were received in a special tent, to expedite their travel procedures in record time, while enjoying awareness and hospitality services offered by government entities. “Abu Dhabi Police has also increased the number of personnel operating the Passports Section at the port who work around the clock to ensure a speedy completion of all transactions. Returning pilgrims will also benefit from similar services upon their return from the Holy Land,” he continued.

In conclusion, Colonel Al Marar praised the cooperation of the rescue and ambulance teams,  Customs and other concerned entities  with the Al Ghuwaifat Border point, and their  efforts to streamline  procedures and transactions for pilgrims' travelling to perform this year’s Hajj rituals.  “Cooperation is also underway with Tarif Police Station to provide support and assistance for pilgrims travelling on the International Highway through the Port, by intensifying patrols on the highway to maintain their safety.

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The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts
The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department
Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media
Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317
E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com









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