By: Ohoud Suleiman Al Naqbi
Sharjah Police concluded its participation in the activities of Gulf Traffic Week 2026, held under the slogan “Cross Safely,” as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance traffic culture and reinforce proper behaviors among pedestrians and drivers, contributing to improved road safety and the reduction of accidents resulting from random crossing or inattentiveness while using the road.
Colonel Omar Bu Ghanem, Deputy Director of the Traffic and Patrols Directorate, stated that the participation reflected the importance of unifying awareness efforts among GCC countries in the field of road safety by adopting a unified slogan and messages that enhance community impact. He added that integrating roles between police and traffic authorities supports achieving higher levels of road safety and promotes a culture of compliance with traffic rules as a shared responsibility that extends beyond geographical boundaries.
In line with modern developments, Colonel Bu Ghanem emphasized the importance of using artificial intelligence technologies to support traffic campaigns, such as analyzing traffic behavior, measuring public engagement with awareness messages, and using data to identify the most targeted groups and locations in need of awareness. This contributes to developing more precise and impactful awareness content and enhances the ability to plan future campaigns based on measurable indicators and outcomes.
Captain Humaid Abdullah Al Rais, Head of the Traffic Awareness Branch, explained that the activities carried out during Gulf Traffic Week focused on interactive engagement with the public through field platforms and awareness questions addressing key behaviors related to pedestrian safety and proper road crossing. These platforms included the display of traffic awareness content via screens, distribution of educational materials and gifts, and interactive questions for the public, alongside simplified guidance messages emphasizing the use of designated pedestrian crossings, adherence to traffic signals, ensuring the road is clear before crossing, and avoiding distractions such as mobile phones or headphones while crossing.
He added that traffic awareness on social media and other digital platforms has become a key complement to field efforts, given its ability to reach diverse age groups and engage the public through direct, accessible methods. He noted that awareness messages focused on reinforcing safe traffic behavior and enhancing the individual’s role as a partner in protecting lives and property.
Sharjah Police affirmed that road safety is not achieved through enforcement alone, but through an integrated system that combines awareness, community commitment, the use of modern technologies, and the analysis of traffic indicators, supporting more effective decision-making in designing future campaigns and programs.