Unified GCC Traffic Week Kicks Off Under the Theme: “Driving Without a Phone”
The activities of Unified GCC Traffic Week commenced today under the theme Driving Without a Phone . Organized by the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Federal Traffic Council and hosted by the Sharjah Police General HQs, the event is being held in collaboration with police general HQs across the UAE and a number of strategic partners.
The launch event was attended by H.E. Major General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Chief of Sharjah Police. Also present were the Chairman and members of the Federal Traffic Council, senior officers from the Ministry of Interior, representatives from the UAE’s police general HQs, and key stakeholders from the traffic safety sector.
This year’s edition, themed Driving Without a Phone , aims to promote strict adherence to traffic laws, stress the importance of road safety and preventive measures, and raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving especially the use of mobile phones while behind the wheel. Such behavior continues to pose significant risks to road users and remains a leading cause of tragic accidents and roadway fatalities.
The opening ceremony, held at City Centre Al Zahia in Sharjah, featured a series of speeches and awareness videos highlighting the significance of the occasion. The event reaffirmed ongoing efforts to enhance public awareness of traffic safety and showcased regional initiatives and technologies designed to safeguard road users and support sustainable traffic systems.
In a statement on the occasion, H.E.Maj. Gen. Khalifa Hareb Al Khaili, MOI Undersecretary noted that the UAE, under the visionary leadership of its wise government, has achieved global recognition for its progressive accomplishments. He emphasized that the UAE has become a global model, pioneering best practices in various fields including traffic safety.
On this occasion, the Minister of Interior reiterated the Ministry’s firm commitment to realizing the UAE Government’s strategic vision for road safety. This vision is brought to life through proactive measures and the adoption of smart, integrated road technologies that encompass roads, vehicles, and drivers ensuring these innovations are used as tools of safety, not sources of harm.
He further stressed that this occasion renews a collective call to action: every step toward responsible driving contributes to a safer and more sustainable society. He urged all road users to become active partners in promoting traffic safety through awareness, collaboration with authorities, and adherence to precautionary practices reminding everyone that road safety is a shared responsibility.
H.E. Major General Abdullah bin Amer affirmed that Unified Gulf Traffic Week, especially under this year’s theme, has evolved into more than an annual event it has become a vital societal necessity. Through its focused messaging and awareness-driven content, the campaign plays a key role in embedding a culture of traffic discipline across all segments of society.
He added that the traffic safety approach adopted by the Sharjah Police General HQs is rooted in prevention and knowledge. He highlighted that the event is essential to deepening public awareness, reinforcing responsibility for the protection of lives and property, and promoting safe driving behaviors and adherence to road signage ultimately ensuring a safer traffic environment.
Also speaking at the event, Brigadier General Ahmed Al Sam Al Naqbi, Director General of Central Operations at Ras Al Khaimah Police and Head of the Awareness Team at the Federal Traffic Council, emphasized the importance of regional collaboration. This week, we stand together with our GCC counterparts to mark Unified GCC Traffic Week under the theme Driving Without a Phone.’ This occasion is not only a platform for raising awareness, but also an opportunity to reflect on progress, share knowledge, and strengthen our joint efforts to improve traffic safety.
He pointed out that the UAE’s leading global ranking in security, safety, and road infrastructure is a testament to the effectiveness of its leadership and vision. Preserving these accomplishments requires collective effort from all institutions and individuals to maintain the country’s status as one of the world’s safest nations.
Brigadier General Al Naqbi also emphasized the public’s central role within this integrated safety system. Commitment to laws and regulations reflects a mature, responsible society. He called for a united front, where institutions and individuals alike work together to safeguard lives and support the country’s broader vision.
He concluded by affirming that the Federal Traffic Council under which national traffic safety entities operate remains fully dedicated to aligning sustainable efforts across sectors to achieve the UAE’s ambition of becoming the world’s safest nation.
Extensive Activities and Broad Participation from Traffic Sector Partners
The central program in Sharjah includes daily awareness lectures, informative presentations, and interactive displays focused on traffic safety. Special attention is being given to the risks of using mobile phones while driving and other forms of driver distraction. Visitors can also engage in first aid sessions and participate in educational competitions.
The event features booths and exhibitions by various traffic sector partners, including the police general directorates from across the UAE, the National Ambulance, Rafid Vehicle Solutions, Saed Traffic Systems, the Integrated Transport Centre in Abu Dhabi, the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai, Emirates Transport, the Sharjah Driving Institute, and others. Exhibits highlight cutting-edge technologies, innovative patrol vehicles, and projects supporting the nation’s traffic safety agenda.
Activities will run daily through the weekend, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, inviting the public to engage with the event and take part in spreading traffic awareness. Events organized by police HQs and strategic partners for Unified GCC Traffic Week are also being held across the country.