Mobile operations room to ease traffic near schools

The General Command of the Sharjah Police has confirmed the completion of its preparations for the 2025-2026 academic year.

This was announced during a coordination meeting held between the Traffic and Patrols Directorate, the Security Media Department, the Operations Center Department, and the Community Protection and Prevention Department.

The meeting discussed the protocol for preliminary preparations for the “Our First Lesson is Safety” initiative, which is scheduled to commence at the onset of the forthcoming academic year.

The meeting reflects the high-level coordination between the relevant departments to ensure the most effective implementation of an integrated plan combining media awareness, field campaigns, traffic monitoring and smart security operations to ensure a safe and comprehensive start to the new school year. Colonel Mohammed Al Shamsi, Director of the Operations Centre, confirmed that a mobile operations room will broadcast live traffic conditions around schools during the morning and afternoon rush hours.

This will improve traffic management and provide live picture of traffic conditions, enabling traffic teams to take immediate action to alleviate congestion.

The “Ma’man” platform developed in collaboration with the Sharjah Private Education Authority, to handle emergency calls relating to student affairs and can precisely track the route of school buses from early morning until they arrive at school, enabling a faster response and intervention in the event of an emergency.

Colonel Abdulrahman Khater, Deputy Director of the Security Media Department, pointed out that the campaign relies on advanced awareness content that is tailored to the behaviour and awareness of students of all age groups. This includes producing educational videos, digital designs and interactive adverts that use simple, straightforward language. The campaign also engages with audiences through traditional and digital media, raising public awareness of the importance of safety and responsible behaviour at school and on the road. Lieutenant Colonel Omar Al Aqroubi, Deputy Director of the Traffic and Patrols Department, explained that during the back-to-school period, the department will redistribute patrols based on traffic statistics and areas with high vehicle density.

As part of the traffic plan, 98 patrols will be deployed across the emirate: 51 in Sharjah City, 25 in the Eastern Region and 22 in the Central Region.

These patrols will secure vital intersections and regulate traffic flow, he added. He stressed the importance of school bus drivers’ compliance with safety procedures, such as inspecting the bus before setting off, making sure a supervisor is present, and ensuring all pupils have got off and that nobody is left inside the vehicle.

Major Hussein Al Balushi, Director of the Community Patrols Branch, added that the Community Protection Department is working on implementing a number of field awareness visits to be conducted by specialised teams in schools.

Supported by interactive materials, these visits aim to instil the values of cooperation, initiative and reporting dangerous behaviour.

They also involve teaching and administrative staff in order to foster a safe school environment in which students feel safe and connected.

Recently, The Sharjah Police General Command, through its Traffic and Patrols Department, reinforced traffic safety measures across the emirate’s roads with the launch of the “Slow Down” initiative.

Focused on senior citizens and residents, the initiative fosters a culture of traffic awareness and aims to ensure a safer travel environment for an age group that requires special care and consideration.

Launched in January 2025, “Slow Down” is part of a broader campaign by Sharjah Police to promote traffic awareness among all segments of society.

The initiative involves placing a distinctive “Slow Down” sticker on the rear of vehicles carrying elderly passengers. This sticker serves as a visual cue to other drivers, encouraging cautious and respectful driving behavior around these vehicles.

Since its implementation, the “Slow Down” initiative has benefited over 1,500 individuals, demonstrating its effectiveness in raising traffic awareness and promoting safer roads.

Its impact is visible not only in improved driving behaviour but also in enhancing the quality of life and road safety for senior citizens across the emirate.