UAE: More police patrols, restaurant inspections for residents' safety this Ramadan

Khaleej Times

14-03-2025

Authorities have ramped up inspections of restaurants to ensure food safety and also increased police patrols around mosques to enhance road safety this Ramadan.
Fujairah Municipality has carried out a total of 687 inspection rounds of food outlets. Eng Hassan Salem Al Yamahi, director-general of Fujairah Municipality, said inspectors not only focused on checking compliance with stringent sanitary regulations but also looked into food prices, labelling, and adherence to health codes.
'The initiative is aimed at safeguarding public health and ensuring fairness in the market to maintain a safe and regulated environment for consumers,' noted Al Yamahi.
'We conducted over 680 inspections to ensure food outlets followed safety standards and complied with the necessary regulations,' said Al Yamahi, adding the campaign also saw 79 permits issued to Ramadan-specific stores in Fujairah that are catering to the increased demand for food and products during the holy month.
More police patrols
Meanwhile, Sharjah Traffic Police said they will enhance patrols around mosques during prayer times to regulate parking and ensure proper entry and exit of worshippers. Illegal parking — a common cause of congestion and accidents — will also be closely monitored. Erring motorists will be fined, and negative traffic behaviours, such as distracted driving, will be targeted to protect both road users and pedestrians, authorities said.
Col Mohammad Alai Al Naqbi, director of the Traffic and Patrols Department of Sharjah Police, emphasised the importance of being vigilant to prevent fatal accidents and injuries involving pedestrians. "Motorists need to drive with caution during Iftar times to avoid accidents, as many pedestrians are crossing streets in a rush to get home," he told Khaleej Times.
Al Naqbi said special patrols are stationed at strategic areas, including busy markets and shopping malls, to monitor and regulate traffic, particularly in locations with heavy foot traffic where pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur. This initiative comes as part of ongoing efforts to reduce the risk of accidents, which traditionally increase during the holy month.
'In addition to monitoring traffic, we are focusing on preventing fatal accidents and injuries, which tend to rise at this time of year. Our patrols will focus on ensuring pedestrians cross at designated areas and will fine any motorists found violating traffic rules, particularly those speeding or driving recklessly,' he added.