The Abu Dhabi Police has launched three touristic platforms - two of which are in the arrivals building at the Abu Dhabi International Airport (new) and a third at the Zayed Port - in line with its plans to boost security for the visitors.

Another platform will soon be introduced at the YasWaterworld in Abu Dhabi, in order to educate the visitors about the touristic culture and traditions of the Emirati people, said a statement from Abu Dhabi Police.

The platforms introduce tourists to the services offered by Abu Dhabi Police, and highlight their role in promoting tourism through a screen display. This initiative has been praised by the audience and has attracted many travellers visiting the UAE.

The platforms offer police-related information, as well as touristic information. They portray the UAE as a secure country that is convenient enough for tourism and family vacations. It also identifies the landmarks of Abu Dhabi that are ideal for spending recreational holidays and shows the visitors the activities and events taking place countrywide.

Major General Mohammed bin Al Awadhi Al Menhali, the director general of police operations at Abu Dhabi Police, said the department was paying more attention to the tourists' security needs.

Al Menhali said: “Abu Dhabi Police seeks to maintain security for tourists, starting from the moment they arrive until the moment they depart, as it looks towards participating in promoting Abu Dhabi as a favorite destination for individuals and families alike.”  

The top official identified the touristic, entertainment and cultural aspects of the UAE capital as well as the safety of the location attained through co-operation with the concerned authorities.

Colonel Dr Rashid Mohammad Borshid, the head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Abu Dhabi Police GHQ, said: “Visitors and residents affirm the high professionalism and competency of the Tourism Police officers, along with the humanitarian and civilized manners with which they handle touristic activities and events."

"The goal is to upgrade the level of services and promote the development of tourism concepts," he added.

Colonel Borshid said: "Abu Dhabi is rich with ancient and historical destinations, usually explored by tourists who seek entertainment, relaxation and beauty. Driven by a sense of national pride, we take part and join the police in fulfilling its mission and role to protect the country and the visitors and preserve the properties and the heritage."

"Thus, the existence of the Tourism Police Department was a must to ensure the security of tourists and provide them with necessary services and facilitators, in collaboration with other concerned authorities. The department received complaints and comments and resolved them professionally, in accordance with laws adaptable to the needs of the present day," he added.

On the new “Touristic Platforms,” Lt Col Muzyad Al Utaibi, the chief of the Tourism Police section at the CID, said: “These platforms will have big TV screens updating tourists on the services being provided by Abu Dhabi Police on the touristic level. It also provides the Tourism Police Department’s contact numbers.”

These are aimed at create links, cooperate with the tourists, induce a sense of security, eliminate possible incidents and introduce preventive solutions and methods of communication, he added.

Al Utaibi called upon the visitors to contact the tourism police officers in cases of emergency, stressing their readiness to act and provide services as quickly as possible, in a way that reflects the bright image of the country.

"Tourists can reach the police via the Operations Room on 999 or call the Aman service on the toll free number 8002626 to reach the Tourism Police Section at Abu Dhabi Police," he added.-TradeArabia News Service