In line with its strategic objectives to enhance road safety, Sharjah Police, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, is participating in Gulf Traffic Week 2026, held under the slogan “Cross Safely.” The participation reflects the importance of raising traffic awareness among community members and reinforcing safe road-crossing behaviors, thereby protecting lives and strengthening traffic safety efforts.
Brigadier Khalid Al Kai, Director of the Traffic and Patrols Directorate, affirmed that road safety begins with commitment and attentiveness, and that the road is a shared responsibility requiring awareness from both drivers and pedestrians. He explained that adhering to speed limits, maintaining safe distances, and respecting the rights of other road users are fundamental to reducing accidents and protecting lives. He added that this year’s slogan conveys a clear message that safe crossing is a shared responsibility between pedestrians and drivers.
He further stated that the Traffic and Patrols Directorate continues its field and monitoring efforts to strengthen traffic discipline, alongside supporting awareness programs aimed at correcting unsafe behaviors and reinforcing a culture of compliance with the law as a guarantee of safety for all.
For his part, Major Saud Abdulrahman Al Shaiba, Head of the Awareness Section, emphasized that security media is a key partner in enhancing quality of life by transforming traffic messages into content that resonates with the public and reaches them through their everyday language and the channels they actively engage with. He noted that awareness efforts no longer rely solely on traditional publishing methods, but now focus on innovation, simplification, and the use of digital and field platforms to create real impact on community behavior.
He also explained that a comprehensive plan has been developed to implement a series of awareness programs and activities throughout Gulf Traffic Week. These include public awareness platforms in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, as well as an awareness platform at the Traffic and Licensing Services Center. The platforms feature traffic awareness materials, the distribution of educational publications and gifts, media interviews, and messages across social media, all aimed at delivering road safety messages to the
widest possible segment of society and promoting adherence to road etiquette, particularly regarding pedestrian crossings and attentiveness while driving. He noted that the Security Media Department is committed to ensuring that awareness messages remain continuous and impactful, thereby contributing to the establishment of a preventive culture in which road safety becomes a daily practice rather than a temporary commitment during traffic-related occasions.
In the same context, Sharjah Police urged the public to use designated pedestrian crossings, comply with traffic signals, ensure the road is clear before crossing, and avoid distractions such as mobile phones or headphones while crossing roads, as these may reduce attentiveness to road hazards. Drivers were also urged to reduce speed near pedestrian crossings, schools, residential areas, and shopping centers, give priority to pedestrians at designated crossings, and remain fully attentive to all road users. Sharjah Police emphasized that respecting pedestrian rights and adhering to traffic rules reflect a responsible traffic culture that contributes to creating a safe environment for everyone.
Sharjah Police also affirmed that raising awareness about pedestrian crossing safety is not limited to Gulf Traffic Week, but rather represents an ongoing approach to strengthening traffic culture and reinforcing values of responsibility and commitment among all segments of society. It stressed that prevention is achieved through conscious behavior and positive cooperation between drivers and pedestrians.
Sharjah Police concluded by calling on all members of society to positively engage with the messages of Gulf Traffic Week 2026 and make road safety a daily practice, emphasizing that “Cross Safely” is not merely a slogan, but a message aimed at protecting lives and enhancing quality of life on the roads.
By: Ohoud Suleiman Al Naqbi