On Friday, Abu Dhabi police launched a Covid-19 radio alert service at the Dubai border to make people crossing the border aware of coronavirus prevention regulations along with road rules. The guidelines are being aired on 24 FM stations in four languages: Arabic, English, Urdu, and Malayalam. The city launched the service to prevent congestion at the border, while people try to enter the city.

The radio alerts will come into effect about 200 meters from the security checkpoints and starts broadcasting the messages including the requirement of getting a Covid-19 test done, mentioning your recent travels to the authorities if you arrived in the country recently, and following precautionary measures like keep the mask on, and some passenger allowed to travel in a cab or private vehicle, in case of non-related passengers the number should not exceed three.

The broadcasts by the Emirati police also included warnings against over-speeding, high lights and not driving the vehicle in a specific lane, as the right lane is designated for trucks only and urging the drivers to show the Emirates ID card at the checkpoint. The radio service, which is believed to be a pioneering technique also helps people on the roads become aware of traffic congestion or severe accidents, as well as weather warnings.

To control the surge in coronavirus cases, last December the Abu Dhabi police assisted the health care workers in Covid-19 DPI testing as the authorities moved testing centers to the checkpoint on Al Faya Road, near the E11 Dubai-Abu Dhabi motorway.

Last week, Abu Dhabi Police was granted European Foundation for Global Quality Management (EFQM) Award 2021 for their contribution towards ensuring the safety of all community members. The force also won the Outstanding Achievement for Community Partnership award.

Russell Longmeier, chief executive officer, (CEO), EFQM, lauding the force’s contribution said, “They have lived to their promises to all stakeholders and the Abu Dhabi community members." He added: “We have been so impressed by the degree of commitment and expansion by the Abu Dhabi Police and their reaching out and engagement with the community. The Abu Dhabi Police was awarded the first-ever award for Outstanding Achievement for Community Partnership, in addition to the EFQM Global Award, a six-star rating.