UEA's Festive Chaos Sparks Police Action

Festivity Turns Chaotic? Police Interventions on UAE National Day

The 54th National Day of the United Arab Emirates, Eid Al Etihad, is a time for patriotism, unity, and joy – when the nation's residents celebrate the founding of the state in streets, squares, vehicles, and their homes. However, not everyone experienced this period with dignity. The celebration was overshadowed by some people's irresponsible behavior: loud vehicles, dangerous maneuvers, driving without a valid license, and a series of traffic violations. Law enforcement agencies, led by the police forces of the Sharjah, Dubai, and Fujairah emirates, took decisive action to protect public safety.

Sharjah: Seizure of 106 Vehicles and 9 Motorcycles

The police in the Sharjah emirate confiscated over a hundred vehicles and nine motorcycles during the festive period after their drivers committed serious traffic violations. The most common offenses included excessive noise – such as tampering with exhaust systems – as well as aggressive and hazardous driving styles.

Authorities also established that some people were driving vehicles without a valid license, which is considered a particularly severe violation under UAE traffic laws. Such behavior endangers not only the offenders but all road users' physical safety.

Sharjah police emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards these actions and will continue intensified checks, particularly during festive periods.

Fujairah: Arrests and Vehicle Seizures

Police in the Fujairah emirate were also active. They arrested several individuals for irresponsible and dangerous conduct. According to the police, these young people risked not only their lives but others' by treating the roads as racetracks or celebrating in otherwise unsuitable manners.

During the festive period, the Fujairah authorities seized 27 vehicles for violating traffic rules. Between November 28 and December 2, there were a total of 270 traffic accidents in the area, 269 of which were fortunately minor collisions, but one resulted in an injury.

Dubai: 49 Cars, 25 Motorcycles, Over 3,000 Violations

Dubai police responded to festive disturbances with strict measures. Across the emirate, 49 vehicles and 25 motorcycles were seized, and 3,153 traffic violations were documented.

According to the authorities, many drivers took advantage of the festive atmosphere to drive irresponsibly, disturbing and endangering others. Some intentionally screeched tires, swerved through traffic, or celebrated with particularly dangerous maneuvers.

The police warned that these incidents highlight increased violations during certain festive periods, and more intensive inspections and preventive actions are expected in the future.

Youth and the Responsibility Issue

The youth's role in these violations is particularly concerning. In Sharjah, for instance, 16 young people were referred to the prosecution for standout hazardous driving conduct. In their case, it's not just about traffic infractions but also social irresponsibility.

According to police statements, such behavior is not just illegal but contradicts the community spirit that should be the true message of UAE's National Day: unity, respect, and maintaining social harmony.

Why is Rule Observance Important Even During Holidays?

Many tend to forget that holidays do not exempt them from traffic rules. Indeed, during these periods, caution is even more important as increased traffic, heightened emotions, and euphoria can easily lead to dangerous situations.

There are many ways to celebrate, but the roads are not among the places where joy can be expressed dangerously or irresponsibly. Violating the rules should never be a form of expressing national pride – on the contrary, such acts degrade the dignity and communal significance of the celebration.

Conclusion

The UAE National Day remains one of the largest community events celebrated by millions nationwide. However, this year's experiences highlight the need for increased police presence and decisive action against violators.

The police's intention is clear: maintaining road safety under all circumstances is a priority. The coming years will likely see more preventive campaigns, community education programs, and police actions to ensure uninterrupted and safe celebrations during festive periods.

True celebration does not lie in exhaust fumes or the noise of burning rubber, but in the collective, respectful, and responsible celebration of what UAE unity symbolizes.

(The article source: Sharjah Police statement.)