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Sharjah, Ajman police fully geared up for Ramadan

Sharjah/Ajman - Police have warned against the use of fire crackers during the holy month.

The police authorities of Sharjah and Ajman are gearing up to ensure security and safe traffic movement on the roads during Ramadan.

Colonel Ibrahim Al Ajill, director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Sharjah Police said that security is one of the most critical factors that must be ensured in all religious, social, cultural events and occasions being celebrated in the UAE.

The force will also curb the negative phenomena of begging during the holy month. "We will raise awareness among the public on the same and seek their cooperation, to support our efforts in this area. We encourage the public to report the negative phenomenon and begging and not allow the beggars to make money illegally," Col Al Ajill said.

If members of the public want to contribute to charity, the police will direct them to use legitimate channels, such as charity organisations.

Col Al Ajill added that the phenomenon of begging at road intersections, mosques, commercial complexes, and in front of the homes posed a danger and disturbance to the public during the holy month.

The police official also warned against the use of fire crackers during the holy month, which poses acute danger particularly to young children. The CID is preparing campaigns against the use of fire crackers and appeals to the public to report any shops or street vendors who sell them to children in residential neighbourhoods.

Ramadan cannon

The traditional daily firing of the cannon during the holy month notifies worshippers that it's time to break their fast. Colonel Ashoor Sabet, director of Special Tasks at the Sharjah Police, said that although the cannon is still used in many Arab cities, it no longer serves its primary purpose but is rather a symbolic tradition.

"The 'Ramadan cannon' is one of the historical legacies that continued in the UAE. It is associated with the holy month and its spiritual traditions," Col Sabet said. "The Sharjah Police seeks to share the joy and happiness of the holy month with the firing of the cannon at Iftar time."

Residents can gather and witness cannon firing at different locations pre-pared by the Special Tasks Department, including the façade of Al-Majaz Al-Hama, the Palace of Culture in the Well Area, Al-Merqab area, Muwailih district council, and Mughaydar district council in Al-Tala area.

In the eastern area, the Ramadan cannon can be witnessed in front of Al-Bukhari Mosque on Khor Fakkan Corniche, Kalba City in front of Tarif Mosque, and Dibba Al-Hosn Mosque in front of Sheikh Rashid Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi Mosque. In the central region, it will be located in front of the Al Dhaid police station.

Colonel Arif bin Hodeib, director of the Media and Public Relations Department, said the Sharjah Police would distribute Iftar meals to members of the public present at the cannon sites in all areas, on a daily basis.

The Iftar cannon will also be broadcast live on Sharjah TV.

Ajman Police ready for Ramadan

The Ajman Police, as part of its Ramadan security readiness, is deploying 40 security and traffic patrols to monitor traffic and negative phenomenon. Lieutenant Colonel Saif Abdullah Al Falasi, Director of the Traffic and Patrol Department of Ajman Police, said that 40 patrols have been deployed 24/7 to monitor the traffic movement and security in the streets.

The patrols will be deployed in internal and external streets, particularly before Iftar, while security patrols will be deployed around commercial and residential areas.

The official also urged motorists to exercise caution while driving, to re-duce accidents during the holy month, especially the common tendency toward rash driving before Iftar. He noted that the traffic department usually exerted double the effort during Ramadan every year, with motorists likely to drive recklessly and at high speeds.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com